4 week old will only sleep while held! - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

tamela67 · 04-24-2008, 03:25 PM

I need some advice! My baby will only sleep about 45 min in his bed or bassinette then cries and will fall right back to sleep as soon as I hold him! I know everyone says you can not "spoil" a newborn but I do not know what to do to get him out of the habit of being held! Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

LauraLu · 04-24-2008, 05:04 PM

Hi there ~ I can remember those days oh so well and it was just a short time ago. I don't miss them!
When my daughter did this, I used to warm up her sheets with a heating pad first before putting her in her crib. That way, she felt safe and snug. I also swaddled her and she took a pacifier. Make sure your son's room is cool and he is dressed warmly. Babies sleep best when it's about 67-69 degrees F. I also would let my daughter sleep in the swing for short periods.
Eventually your son will get into a pattern and sleep for longer stretches, particularly at night. My daughter was sleeping through the night (5 hours) at 5-6 weeks if this gives you hope!
You are absolutely right when they say you cannot spoil a baby this young. Meet his needs now and he'll thank you later...as corny as that may sound. Give him a few seconds at first when he fusses and see if he'll go back to sleep. Use room darkening shades if you have to also so he associates dark with sleep.
Good luck!

luckydarlin · 04-24-2008, 06:41 PM

I agree with the previous poster, you cannot spoil them at that young and swaddle! My daughter would only sleep in her bassinet swing at that age because she was bundled up all nice and tight. It's so difficult when they are that young, so whatever works...works! Definitely don't worry too much - just try the swaddling and different options for sleeping, such as the swing, a bouncy seat...some people have even said their child would only sleep in the carseat!

Best of luck and hang in there!

tamela67 · 04-25-2008, 05:32 AM

Thanks for your input! I also agree that you can not spoil them at this age and we need to meet thier needs. I know I have set him in his car seat to rest during the day for a little while because he is snug and he drifts right to sleep! I have already been told that I am spoiling him by holding him too much and going to get him as soon as he cries and I just do not agree! He was also 3 weeks early so my dr said he is acting more like a 1-2 week old instead of a 4 week old. I like the idea of warming his bed, that sounds comforting.

However, last night he slept 2-3 hours at a time

! Not that he will do that every night but that just reminds me that it doesn't last forever! This is my fourth baby, so you would think I should be a pro by now, but my youngest (before this baby) is 10 years old and I feel like I have forgotten a lot!! Thanks again!

KeltoKel · 04-25-2008, 12:47 PM

Swaddle!!! My son was the same way when he was born and I slept on the couch with him for 2 weeks before I couldn't take it anymore. I highly recommend you get a Miracle Blanket or learn to do a really tight swaddle. My lactation consultant recommended this to me and boy was I glad. It saved my sanity. Best of luck.