7 week old won't nap!

Jessica - posted on 08/06/2010

There are a few things I did that no one mentioned and maybe it might work for you. first try swaddling him babies that young are still used to being in a tight area (womb) and might need the comfort during the day. I like what one of the women said about laying down with him maybe he might just need your comfort. I did that with my baby girl first thing in the morning after feeding her and she slept for 1 1/2 - 2 hours more. also let him get his energy out by having some alone time on the floor maybe looking at a mobile or floor play blanket doohicky. (not sure the name of those things) i do agree that he might be over tired but sometimes you just need to put him down in his crib, bassenet, or swing and let him cry himself to sleep. I did that with my daughter about that age maybe 2 months old but they will cry about 5-15 minutes and then eventually they will stop and then everytime you put him down he will just go to sleep with very little crying. You should be able to tell the difference in your babies crying right now so if he gets to where he is crying in distress or overly alarming then don't let him continue to cry. Good luck and hope all goes well with you. Maybe you have an active one on your hands. (God won't give you anything you can't handle)

Sarh - posted on 08/06/2010

If he is not fusing during the day after feedings, don't force him to sleep. Babies eat and sleep on their own schedule, I don't believe in forcing them on a "routine"

Renae - posted on 08/06/2010

Its important to remember that the more tired babies are the HARDER it is for them to go to sleep and the LESS time they sleep for. The most important key in napping is to get them to sleep before they become over tired.

A 7 week old should be able to stay awake for about 45-60 minutes before becoming tired. If your baby is staying awake longer than this then he is overtired. At 3-4 months this increases to 1-1.5 hours. Also, babies usually need their first sleep of the day quite early, sometimes after only 20-30 minutes, so watch carefully for tired signs. If you are unsure what the common tired signs are just google it. I suspect if you shorten his awake time you will see a massive difference.

Vicki - posted on 08/05/2010

At that age my son had most of his naps in a sling, or i fed him to sleep and kept him on my lap.

I also bought a baby hammock around 2 months which became his daytime nap spot, he slept really well in it.

Heather - posted on 08/05/2010

My 10 1/2 month old was like that for the 2nd-5th months. I'd either lie on the couch and nap with him; I needed the nap anyway...Or he'd nap for a bit in his bouncy seat and would sleep for a couple hours in his swing. He's a better sleeper now, as long as he doesn't get too hot.

Jenny - posted on 08/05/2010

I am having the exact same problem with my son who is 6 weeks old today! I'm trying to get him on the babywise schedule and he keeps taking these cat naps for 30 or 45 mins. He wakes up screaming and is obviously still tired. It's as if he can't fall into a deep sleep and I'm not sure why. He does really well at night too, eats and is back to sleep and has even gone 8 hours a few nights already. I read all the postings below.

Sharon - posted on 04/06/2009

my son is the same way i have air filter in the room for the noise and i also invested in a swing. it has been my saving grace. he gets a little fussy when i put him in the swing but once he get going after 5 min. its night night time.

Mel - posted on 04/05/2009

Hi all, I also have a 7 week old. most of the time I rock him to sleep, but if he doesnt go to sleep like that I will put him in the pram wrapped and take him for a walk around the block or even inside, he will often stay asleep in the pram for a couple of hours. I know alot of people would say this is getting them into a bad habit but it is what I did with my other 3 and they all grew out of it and are great sleepers now. I think at this age, you do whatever works whether it be a baby sling, pram, nursing etc. plenty of time when they are older and more "aware" to get them into set routines.

Laura - posted on 04/02/2009

I had the same problem with my son when he was 10 weeks. The only thing that worked was putting him in his pack n play with a stuffed tiger and turning music up really loud. The scary thing about it was that it had to be Metallica or he would scream his head off. lol

Kate - posted on 04/01/2009

Oh...water fountain or fake aquarium is a good idea!  I have tried a white noise machine and a nature sound machine set to rain (and both noises together!) but it doesn't work like the shower.  I might have to try the water fountain!  Otherwise I am going to invest in a tape recorder!

Cynthia - posted on 04/01/2009

Quoting Jodi:
Does anyone know a good resource that suggests what times you should be putting the baby down?

really depends on their age..newborns sleep something like 22 hours a day.  while the older they get the less they tend to sleep. 

I'm trying to remember what my first slept likea that age... He would be up at about 6:30am, play until about 9 or 9:30pm then sleep for 1.5 hours and be up about 11am.  then he would play, eat, play some more then sleep again around 1:30 or 2pm. for another couple of hours.  I would never wake him unless we had an appointment.  Sometimes he would sleep 3 to 4 hours which I then figured out to be his growth spurts.

He would be up again for snacks and until after dinner and then crash again until 10:30 or so , breastfeed and then  back to sleep until 6:30am.

I think what really helps is being active with baby between sleeps.  Allowing time for hands on play for baby, singing, laughing, being interactive with your baby on tummy or sitting in your lap always helps burn though their energy.  Reading to them before a nap time also helps calm and prepare them for sleep.  

Good luck.  Hope this helps.

Cynthia - posted on 04/01/2009

Quoting Jodi:
Does anyone know a good resource that suggests what times you should be putting the baby down?

really depends on their age..newborns sleep something like 22 hours a day.  while the older they get the less they tend to sleep. 

I'm trying to remember what my first slept likea that age... He would be up at about 6:30am, play until about 9 or 9:30pm then sleep for 1.5 hours and be up about 11am.  then he would play, eat, play some more then sleep again around 1:30 or 2pm. for another couple of hours.  I would never wake him unless we had an appointment.  Sometimes he would sleep 3 to 4 hours which I then figured out to be his growth spurts.

He would be up again for snacks and until after dinner and then crash again until 10:30 or so , breastfeed and then  back to sleep until 6:30am.

I think what really helps is being active with baby between sleeps.  Allowing time for hands on play for baby, singing, laughing, being interactive with your baby on tummy or sitting in your lap always helps burn though their energy.  Reading to them before a nap time also helps calm and prepare them for sleep.  

Good luck.  Hope this helps.

Jodi - posted on 04/01/2009

I have been told many babies like "white noise". If yours likes the sound of the shower, try taping it and playing it at nap time. Perhaps put a water fountain or fake aquarium in the room? I'm sure they must make versions for a baby's crib.

Jodi - posted on 04/01/2009

I am having the same problem with my daughter. She will be 7 weeks tomorrow. She is great at night but I can only get her to sleep during the day if I carry her in the BabyBjorn, hold her in my arms or take her for a walk in the stroller. Does anyone know a good resource that suggests what times you should be putting the baby down?

Breanne - posted on 04/01/2009

Too funny- my son hates his swing too. Everyone says their babies love their bouncy seats, cdar seats, swings, etc. Not Carter.

Kate - posted on 04/01/2009

Thanks ladies.  I will start putting him down at the same time and give it some time.   My son hates his swing :( but will fall asleep within a minute if I put him in the bathroom with the shower running.  Too bad I can't keep it running for an hour! 

Amanda - posted on 03/31/2009

Maybe try putting him down for naps at the same times everyday. Babies love routine and eventually  you little one should get better. My daughter would only take 20 minute cat naps all day at that age but we got her on a really good schedule around 3 mos. and she is still on the same schedule and will be 8 mos. on Thurs. Also, do you have a swing. I found that Madyson would sleep really well in her swing but it took a little longer to nap good in her crib. Good luck!! :)

Breanne - posted on 03/31/2009

I have the same problem. My son started doing the same thing around 7 weeks. He is 12 weeks and no change in sight. He sleeps great at night, day time is awful. I have asked all my friends and have had no luck. If you find anything that works let me know!

Kate - posted on 03/31/2009

Thanks Aimee.  I should try to make his room darker.  The carseat and stroller always make him sleep so I guess I should plan some outings!

Kate - posted on 03/31/2009

Thanks Leanne!  I will have to try that.  I did put him in his crib at naptime and he laid there for awhile without crying.  Maybe he will start sleeping after a few days!  I am so lucky that I am only dealing with this during the day!

Aimee - posted on 03/31/2009

I'm having the same problem with my 6 week old. I've found I can get her to sleep if I make the bedroom really dark and we lie down for a nap together in the afternoon. (Maybe it feels like nighttime to her?) A walk outside or drive in the car also seems to help.

Leanne - posted on 03/31/2009

Hiya,  you could try just setting a certain time of day aside each day and putting him down to sleep.  Let him cry a little (but mot get distressed) and see if he takes to it after a week.  If after a week he's still not that into it then you should probably just thank your lucky stars that he's a good night sleeper!  My 6 month old always seems to sleep well if we go for a 20 minute walk so that may help.  Good luck!