help getting DS back to sleep at night

[mrsjrd23]

During the day, DS will nurse and pretty much sleep all day. I have a horrible time getting him to settle back down to sleep during the night. He will scream uncontrollably, sometimes for a few minutes, sometimes the entire time between feedings. (about every 3-4 hours)

I ordered a RNP to try as I think he likes to be inclined instead of flat but it isn't here yet. He will finally settle down if we bring him into bed with us and sleeps either on DH's chest on his stomach or cradled in my arm. However, bedsharing is not a habit I want to have for various reasons.

DS is only 3 weeks old and I know sleep cycles are still adjusting but I need some advice to make it a little more manageable. I can't survive on 2-3 hours total sleep a night and I am having a hard time napping during the day. It's to the point that I dread night time because I know it will be super stessful.

Any insight in to how to settle him back down after night feedings would be great.

[dcrunnergirl]

I hate to say it but this sounds pretty normal. 2-3 hours/night of sleep was the norm for us for a long time. Are you swaddling? Does he have reflux? Have you tried gas drops or gripe water?

Have you read Happiest Baby on the Block? There are some good techniques in there that could probably help him out quite a bit. We loved it.

Hopefully the RNP helps your LO and this gets better soon. I know how hard it is.

[arch01]

Will he take a paci?

[Ashley&Scott]

If he's sleeping all day & up all night he may have his days/nights reversed. Try to expose him to daylight during the day to help him adjust.

[whitepicketfence]

Dec 26, 2012 15:00:09 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

If he's sleeping all day & up all night he may have his days/nights reversed. Try to expose him to daylight during the day to help him adjust.

I agree with Ashley. At 3 weeks, he should have a few awake periods during the day. Make your rooms bright, have music/the tv on, talk to him, etc. At night, do the exact opposite. This should help him adjust and to get his days/nights straight.

[af1212]

Do you have a bouncy seat? Both of my girls slept in a bouncy seat at that age. I could turn on the vibrator and bounce them to sleep and still be in bed myself.

[dcn]

Ditto happiest baby on the block. Swaddle him up nice and tight and find a white noise app. Ds was eating every 2-3 hours when he was 3 weeks old overnight. Heck he still does sometimes! Are you bfing? I know it is exhausting but sometimes he'd eat for an hour at night then slept for an hour, repeat. Hbotb also recommends a swing, you could try that.

Try taking him outside during the day to help him get his days and nights straight.

Also, ds still has times when he will only sleep if dh or I hold him. I think it's just how some babies are.

Hang in there!