Sleep Patterns

Lori - posted on 02/05/2009

At this age I would be too concerned with a sleep pattern. They sleep more when they are having growth spurts. I also have a 1 year old and as they get older, you will notice that as long as they have a set bedtime (his is 8pm) then they will get sleepy at the same time during the day. Don't worry too much for the baby. As long as they sleep, eat and poop.... you're fine (that's what my pediatrician says) Sometimes books help, but every baby is different.

Amy - posted on 02/05/2009

I am breastfeeding, so I am not totally sure how much he is getting! He'll have to increase that on his own as he can take more, I guess!

Lori - posted on 02/04/2009

how many ounces does he drink? when my baby who is now 9 weeks started feeding very often (every 2 hours) I increased her bottle and she sleeps through the night now.

Andrea - posted on 02/04/2009

I really like EASY because it's not a schedule, just a flexible routine. It stands for Eat, Activity, Sleep, You time. It's in the Baby Whisperer book. With my first, I found that he pretty much fell into his own routine that was typical of most babies. I also say, let them sleep if they want to sleep! You don't have a problem unless they're awake all night & asleep all day.

Michelle - posted on 02/04/2009

I am not a fan of those books....every baby is different and I find it hard to believe that every baby can be catagorized into one method. They are all different, grow different, etc. You will fall into a routine all on your own and it will be a routine that fits everyone. He is still little and growth spurts will change his wake vs sleep schedule regularly. Just continue to be consistent and it will all work out. If my little guy is tired in the evening, I will let him take a little cat nap and then wake him if he sleeps to long. I will then give him a bath, lotion him, etc. (play out our bedtime routine) top him off and then let him go to bed. I give him a bath every night at the same time and that helps establish bedtime.

Erica - posted on 02/04/2009

Yeah my little man is falling into a sort of routine. We do a routine at night, even if he doesn't fall asleep at the same time. And he has a routine of naps, eating and awake time during the day. He is almost 8 weeks and I'm quite happy with how well he is doing, even if he doesn't sleep consistently during the night. 

Routines are just fine so that the little ones get used to it, but I'm not about putting him on a schedule. He knows when he needs to eat and sleep. ;)

Amy - posted on 02/04/2009

Thanks everyone! The only thing I did yesterday was make my little guy take a nap. I notice that he has been having trouble falling asleep during the day, which I am sure is part of him getting older. I put him in his bassinet around 12:30...he fussed a bit, but he eventually fell asleep and slept until almost 3:00 pm. He was awake after that for most of the evening, and after putting him down for bed after an 11:00pm feeding, he only woke up once, which is a first for us!!! I hope it continues :) I don't want to put him on a strict routine, by any means, but I do want to eventually get him on something somewhat predictable--for him and me!!

Lydia - posted on 02/04/2009

I also believe the only routine my 7 week old should have is the 7'o clock bath, dress, play, boobie and sleep. She then sleeps from 20h00 to about 01h30 or 02h00. During the day she is very unpredictable, and cluster feed, but this Mommy does not mind, because I get enough rest at night. Kick back, relax and enjoy your time with LO, they grow up very quickly then you'll miss those cuddly times!

Amy - posted on 02/03/2009

lol, these posts make me laugh because you will find that you as the mom are the best judge of what to do. with my first, i read books too and then found that my instinct was always better. i am all for routine and believe it really helps. but, i wouldn't worry about a 7 week old not on a routine yet. that is really young.

Jennifer - posted on 02/03/2009

Several people reccommended the Gina Ford (Contented Little) Baby book and I've found it to be a blessing! My son is also 7, nearly 8 weeks old and last night we had our first full night of sleep...pure bliss. :-)

Elizabeth - posted on 02/03/2009

I have a daughter that is 17 months along with my babay born in Dec. Personally, I do not like the Baby wise book. I used (and loved) the Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child book. My first daughter fell in to a routine on her own and my second doesn't have one yet. I'm not concerned in the slightest, I found that things usually fall into place on their own. Don't worry about what other people say or think, just do what works for you!

Amy - posted on 02/03/2009

I also read Baby Wise and it helped give me a good idea of how to structure the day so that I am able to still function during the day while taking care of a newborn.  However, I also did a lot of research about the other methods to make sure I knew about all of the options.  I don't follow the Baby Wise book strictly, and I think it's important to get as much information as you can and do what works for you, even if it's a combination of several methods.  When I first started reading the Baby Wise book, I got so stressed out if my baby didn't settle into the exact routine outlined in the book, and after a while I just stopped worrying about it since she is healthy and seems happy.  Having said all of that, I think it is important to have some sort of routine, if only for your sanity!  :-)

Laurel - posted on 02/03/2009

I am doing Baby wise the book and its wonderful. I defniatly think you should have a routine! :-)