won't sleep long during the day

[Nerida]

won't sleep long during the day

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hey!
i have a beautiful 9 week old baby boy who does not sleep during the day. he's a great sleeper at night. waking twice sometimes once at night, but during the day i spend my time putting him to sleep, because he is tired and cranky. when i put him down he usually wakes up again within 5min, sometimes 1/2 hour. very occasionally 1 maybe 2 hours. if i lie down with him wakes 1/2 hour. if just sit a hold still only half hour. i wouldn't complain, but i am getting nothing done and my other son never gets any attention.


what to do?

[Purly]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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Welcome Nerida.

Do you have any slings? My second DD had most of her day sleeps in her sling meaning I could still do things and be there for DD1.

[Jowith2boys]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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Hi, Nerida,

I hear you... I had the same with no2 who is now nearly 6months old.

My own opinion I decided to just roll with it... I was just getting so upset over things I couldn't control.

I have a 15 year gap between my boys and my older son would sleep 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the afternoon. At night he was down at 7pm and not a squeak until 5.30am.... Not no2 hes awake for as long as he possibly can be!

In saying that no2 has to 'fit in where he can' as another lovely lady said to me in a previous post. My 15 year old has school, music and work commitments that I need to run him around for.

I don't know whether it gets easier or you just get use to it but I decided I wasn't going to get upset anymore because I found I wasn't enjoying my baby and it goes very quickly.

Riley now sleeps 1/2 hour in the morning and 1 hour in the afternoon (2 if I'm really lucky). He sleeps well in the car!!

At night it varies but I can usually get between 6-8 hours before he wakes for a feed.

Riley is also reflux (which we didnt know for the first 8 weeks) and is now on to no3 tooth.

People gave me all sorts of advice but you really have to go with whats right for you... and as for getting nothing done... this once very house proud Mum has the take me as you find me attitude... and yes I might be still in my pyjamas at 10am!

I also found a really nice midwife at my local chemist (baby clinic) and it is so nice to have someone to tell you its all ok...

Hope things improve for you in time...

Jo

[Susan]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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Hi Nerida. Welcome to Natural Parenting Forum.

My six month old is the same. In fact I am sitting here feeling shattered after a day of trying to get her to sleep... Every time I do this I end up thinking the same thing - just go with the flow. When I just surrender and willingly go with her rhythm instead of what I think she should be doing, things flow smoothly. I have a range of slings and wraps and depending how I am feeling and what I need to get done I choose which carrier is best. If I have a heap of washing to do or cooking, I usually put her on my back. The I have both hands free and can get things done. I find at least getting a few things done takes the pressure off and helps me relax about my baby not sleeping.

[Nerida]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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Originally Posted by Marguerite

Welcome Nerida.

Do you have any slings? My second DD had most of her day sleeps in her sling meaning I could still do things and be there for DD1.

Lisa,

I do put him in the sling sometimes, especially in the morning rush to get S1 to school, but I'm worried that if I do that, he'll always need to be in the sling to be asleep. I feel I'll have a 12 month old who still needs to be on me to sleep.

[Purly]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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I can understand that concern and of course what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for another. It was usually DDs morning sleep that was on me with her afternoon rest in bed as we were out and about more often in the morning and home in the early afternoon so we kind of slipped into our routine.

With his naps when he is lying down, can you go in just before he is ready to wake to help him settle into another sleep cycle? That way you don't need to stay in with him the whole time, maybe just until after that initial 5 minute period passes. DD1 was a cat napper sleeping 20 minutes or 40 minutes if I could time the sneak in and resettle before she fully woke from that first 20 minute sleep cycle. (I breastfed her as she settled)

Have you read the No Cry Sleep Solution at all? Perhaps there are some tips in there that might help you. Actually, even better. I just went to the author, Elizabeth Pantley's site to link to the book and I see this- The No Cry Nap Solution The excerpt about cat nappers might be of interest.

[Nerida]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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thank you, i will certainly have a read of that.
bubby is now three months. sometimes he has a good nap, sometimes not. i kind of just follow him now and stopped listening to well meaning people. it's been a lot better.

[Purly]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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sounds like things are going well.

[Susan]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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Great to hear! I too have decided to go with the flow and let go of my expectations. It is school hols in my house so my baby has endless entertainment and is finding sleep really hard. Nights times don't seem to be much better. I just keep telling myself - this too will pass - as it does and take lots of long baths!

[monique]

Re: won't sleep long during the day

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glad things have gotten a bit better for you