10 Shows to Watch When Your Baby Is Keeping You Up at Night

Published on Jan 20, 2023 at 2:30 PM

Kelly Sikkema | Unsplash

While preparing for new parenthood, we tend to stock up on all the essentials that will make those first few months as easy on us as possible. Diapers, swaddling blankets, a bassinet, a rocking chair for those middle-of-the-night wake-ups, a baby monitor, pacifiers — and the list goes on. But another essential that expecting or new parents might not know about is a list of bingeable TV shows.

However, this isn't any ol' list of TV shows that are easy to watch in bulk. These TV shows are ones that you can watch at three in the morning when your newborn is cluster feeding and keeping you from sleeping. These shows are calm and quiet enough that your baby won't be stimulated to stay up later than they need to while being compelling enough to get you through until they fall back to sleep. Also, there are no confusing storylines to follow because that's the last thing a new sleep-deprived parent needs.

There's a little something here for everyone, so if you're caught in the middle of the night, half dozing off, these titles will help.

"Gilmore Girls"

The best thing about "Gilmore Girls" is that it has the perfect amount of drama where you're invested in the characters, but it's not going to keep you up all night. There are no loud noises or flashing lights that might startle your little one awake. Also, it doesn't matter whether you watched the series when it first aired or Emily, Lorelai, and Rory are brand new to you, it's an easy middle-of-the-night watch.

Watch on Netflix.

"Sister, Sister"

A little bit of drama, giggles, and nostalgia comes through in this classic series that follows twins who were separated at birth and then found each other as teenagers — at the mall, of course. Each episode wraps up in just under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick baby wake-up call while still being set if you have to stay up later.

Watch on Netflix.

“Veronica Mars”

Thanks to the fun mix of humor, drama, and a healthy dose of sarcasm this show is the perfect form of entertainment to watch while you're rocking little one to sleep.

Watch on Hulu.

“Veep”

Did you know that politics could be funny? In "Veep" world, it certainly can be. Each episode follows Selina Meyer, the United States Vice President, and the wild, whirlwind adventures of her day-to-day life. This show is filled subtle chaos that won't leave you feeling anxious, while you relate to Selina's sometimes thankless career.

Watch on HBO Max.

“The Great British Bake Off”

A reality show isn't always the best decision to watch in the earliest hours of the day, but "The Great British Bake Off" is different from other competition reality shows. Sure, you'll probably come across one or two people you are rooting for each season, but these episodes are calm, chill, and will help you and baby sleep with ease after one episode or two.

Watch on Netflix.

“Chopped”

This competition show features professional cooks who compete against each other to become the "Chopped" champion, with a winner chosen after each 40-minute episode. There are so many seasons to stream, so you likely won't binge through it too quickly.

Watch on Hulu.

“Black-ish”

This show does a really good job at blending important and serious topics with perfectly timed humor, all with a family that's easy to love. For those nights when you're struggling to stay awake, having something to watch that will make you think and laugh is invaluable.

Watch on Hulu.

“Bridgerton”

"Bridgerton" is an easy-to-watch historical fiction-romance that has a little bit of spice, mystery, and humor, with a sprinkle of pomp. The Shonda Rhimes effect is all over this show, giving you well-rounded characters and a plotline you won't expect. The soundtrack alone on this series might be the perfect backdrop to ease your little one back into sleep.

Watch on Netflix.

“Kim's Convenience”

We love a good family comedy; they make for the best middle-of-the-night options to help you stay awake. This show follows the members of a Korean-Canadian family navigating life while running a convenience store and all the adventures of growing into adulthood.

Watch on Netflix.

“Schitt's Creek”

Watching stressful storylines is probably the last thing you need when you're hoping to go to sleep eventually, but the Rose family makes stress really, really funny. The show is chock-full of giggle-worthy moments and interesting characters without startling sounds, lights, or complicated plotlines to follow.

Watch on Hulu.