Posted by
mumbloxy
19 yrs ago
We seem to be having a real problem in getting baby to sleep unless he is being held in someone's arms. He is 5.5 weeks old & already weighs 11+ lb. At the moment, we have to cradle him until he's sound asleep before we can put him into his cot. Otherwise, he wakes up the moment we put him down & screams very loudly. I am worried we are developing a bad habit and will be very tiresome for us when he gets even heavier! Hubby thinks he's too young to be spoilt & is only craving some love & attention. Am I being over-worried?
Please support our advertisers:
HKC
19 yrs ago
Ah don't worry he is so little. The Baby Whisperer is great for helping with sleep problems but she doesn't recommend anything her method until they are over 12 weeks old. I remember the lovely midwife at Matilda reassuring me that you can't spoil a baby this young. Simplythebest was right about putting him down drowsy but if he gets too distressed pick him up, he needs to know his Mum is there at this age. Also don't let anyone bully you into leaving him to cry, my m-i-l did to me and I am so glad I ignored her!
Please support our advertisers:
I remember when my boy was like that, but it was due to bad gas, poor little guy. It does get better with time, and I used methods from both the Baby Whisperer and Gina Ford; good information that you can apply gradually when he's this little. If they have been fed, nappy is dry, and they're not in distress, sometimes they just need to let off steam a little, even if you hold them. (I remember wanting to bust out the earplugs at one point!). But as the previous posters said, you need to let them know you are there for them, as he is so young.
My baby is already 4 mos. old and is starting to sleep through the night, I don't know where the time has gone! Have you tried swaddling? That seemed to work a treat, and we still swaddle, it helps him feel secure and cozy and knows it's time for bed.
Please support our advertisers:
:-))
19 yrs ago
Look out for those times when he is tired in a more relaxed way, and therefore possibly receptive to going to sleep on his own. When he's in a more difficult mood then don't worry about holding him. It's not a bad habit unless it's the ONLY way he falls asleep.
Our second baby learned how to fall asleep by herself earlier than the first, simply because our reaction time was a bit slower! Sometimes she would grizzle for 30secs and had put herself to sleep by the time we got to her.
Please support our advertisers:
Thank you everyone for the reassurance as I really can't bear letting him cry and not picking him up. :-)), your tip for watching out when he's more relaxed sounds great, will definitely give it a try! Thank you!
Please support our advertisers:
I definitely agree with ;-)) on the more relaxed moments but yet sleepy. My baby boy also hates it when he is left on his own to sleep, he needs to be cradle. But recently i kept a look out for moments when he is ready for a nap but yet not too tired. I put him into his cot but stood there,still playing with him (just to reassure him that u are still there) I eventually tire him out. Good luck!
Please support our advertisers:
your baby is 5.5weeks - a tiny little thing at this time, it's ok to pick him up, you are not spoiling him. but once you have fulfilled your child's need of being cuddled, then put him down immediately. say if he cries when you put him down in the cot for a nap, pick him up, cuddle until he stops and as he is calm again, put him down. you might have to do it 10000 times but he will get the idea eventually.
my advice above is sort of from what i remember from the baby whisperer (copy lent to someone else). it's a great book i feel on settling babies so you might want to check it out.
Please support our advertisers:
You must be logged in to be able to reply.
Login now
Copy Link
Facebook
Gmail
Mail