how do i get my two week old to sleep when ive tried everything.

Christine - posted on 05/31/2010

Have you checked with the doctor that he doesn't have reflux? If you have a bouncer or rocker try him in that. At that age it doesn't matter to much on how you get them to sleep not untill they are about 6 - 8 weeks try raising his bed a little by putting a folded towel under the sheets. I would get him to the doctors tho it's very possible that he has reflux or even colic. even if you really need to get some sleep and its only you around put a change mat with sheet over it in your bed next to you if he sleeps better with you around (try it) I know some people don't like them but have you tried a dummy it may just do the trick. we didn't want to use 1 for our son but he had reflux and it helped hugely. Hope that is of some help good luck I know it not much fun just hope you have lots of support and help around you, you will need it and remember you still need time out :)

Andrea - posted on 05/30/2010

oh, and also, get a white noise machine and turn it on LOUD...they like that. If you haven't read The Happiest Baby on the Block, you may be amazed with how helpful that book can be for most babies.

Andrea - posted on 05/30/2010

My opinion is that you cannot spoil a 2 week old...if holding your baby comforts him, do that. My second daughter was very similar and seemed nearly impossible to soothe. We finally found sitting on a big exercise ball and bouncing on it while holding her did the trick...like an on/off switch (she didn't respond to being rocked).

Michelle - posted on 05/30/2010

He is 2 weeks old so he will cry.... You can try putting music on or walk around the house.... Just be patient with them and they will eventually fall asleep.... My daughter and son fell asleep when i turned on the fan at night so maybe you should try white noises.... and since your baby is 2 weeks old only you should try placing ur baby on your chest so the baby can hear your heart beat because thats what they heard when they were still inside so thats comforting for them....

Karen - posted on 05/30/2010

Have you tryed letting him sleep in his swing or infant carseat? My daughter would not sleep flat on her back for the first four months. But good luck! and hope this helps : )

Leanne - posted on 05/30/2010

Try laying him on his stomach

Christi - posted on 05/30/2010

wow this post came across as really cold. your child is two weeks old, not two years old. he needs that love and comfort and warmth from you holding him. newborns don't sleep all night, they take lil naps and wake up. just hold him and get over it. im sorry if i come across mean, but really, you are a mom. what did you think you would be doing?

Gina - posted on 05/30/2010

my girlie sleeps very well. but when she has a difficult time she loves fresh air....maybe taking her in her stroller would help. Babies love the fresh air. Or walking around. Or sometimes giving them a binkie and letting them tire themselves out.

Tasha - posted on 05/29/2010

I had the same problem and I'm sorry to tell you this, but it seems like your child has colic. Colton did and it lasted three months. I know the doctors say don't lay them on their stomachs but Colton only sleeps on his stomach. He is 7 months old now, but it helped him and he slept better. Also ask the doctor because they have medicine for Colic.

Nikki - posted on 05/29/2010

Cheyne said it perfectly

Cheyne - posted on 05/29/2010

Holding your baby isn't spoiling him. You can't spoil a baby (geez, especially a newborn). By giving a baby lots os cuddles and love, you create a secure attachment and bond with them. A baby who has a strong secure attachment and gets constant love, will become an independent child who has a good self-esteem and is able to make friends easier.

Nikki - posted on 05/28/2010

YOU CANNOT SPOIL A 2 WEEK OLD

Your baby just entered the world they are scared and confused and they need their mommy to help guide them through. Some babies won`t sleep thru the night til a year so Im sorry but at two weeks it is not going to happen they need to eat every 2-3 hours. Perhaps your baby is gassy, or maybe colic, or maybe needs you to rock them to sleep. It does get easier but you need to be patient, Look up COLIC and see if that sounds like whats going on and ask your doctor, also Gripe water works wonders for gas, and a gassy baby cdan be a very fussy baby. But comfort your baby, you its impossible to spoil a newborn, they have no idea what crying for attention is they are crying for a reason, soon you will be able to distinguish what each cry means and it will be alot easier.

Jodie - posted on 05/28/2010

oh-- yah and there was this battery-powered cradle thing that rocked back and forth. We could get our little girl to sleep in that for an hour or two (as opposed to screaming). Do you have a small bassinet? I assume your swaddeling? Try a wrap or Baby Bjoirn, our little girl loved that. Incidently, our little girl who was hard to get to sleep initially now sleeps excellent, and out little boy who slept all the time as a newborn now wakes up often and doesnt sleep through the night as well.

Jodie - posted on 05/28/2010

I havnt read the responses yet, but I just wanted to say that you WILL NOT spoila baby by holding them too much. That is "old" way of thinking, and research does not support that. I think I remember reading something about up to 4 months you can not spoil your baby, but I have 8 month twins and we kiss and hug and hold them all the time. The first two months we could barely put them down w/out crying, but it does get better-- honestly. You wont get a lot of sleep, but its only temporary. Hold and hug him as much as you want, you are only benefiting him. And if I could do it with twins, so can you!! :)

Lea - posted on 05/28/2010

When my son did this I put him in the baby swing and turned on classical music. It usually did the trick. Please try this. There are all kinds of swings and soothers you can find. But still be sure you hold him most of the time. That could be why you are crying - you aren't holding him enough because you think you are spoiling him.

Michelle - posted on 05/28/2010

At two weeks you can't spoil them. He needs you to hold him for comfort remember his been in a warm quiet place for 9months. He may have colic. Talk to your doctor on that one. Good luck. and trying to get him to sleep well its way to early to even try getting him on a schedule my sons almost 4 months and we've just now KINDOF estabilished a routine.

Cindy - posted on 05/28/2010

Wrap him snuggly w/ a blanket.

Gemma - posted on 05/28/2010

My little boy was like that for about the first six weeks of his life, does your little one go to the toliet most days? My little lad spent most nights crying and would only settle if he slept on my chest ( I guess it was because he liked the pressure on his tummy), some nights were so bad we nearly called the DR. My health visitor suggested I tried treating his milk with Colief, it worked wonders! Straight away things improved, he was more settled at night and started going four and five hours. Colief treates the milk and helps them digest the lactose, speak to your health visitor about it. They don't like to recommend Colief right away as it is quite exspensive (but well worth it). Don't worry about cuddling him, do it as much as you want to, it really wont spoil him at his age, it'll just be knackering for you though! I cuddled mine night and day andhe is a happy independant (well as much as he can be) 4 month old. It will get better, promise! Hope this helps.

Alice - posted on 05/28/2010

Your little angel is still very young, and to get him to sleep well, he needs to be calm, warm, and secure knowing that you are near. Try giving him a nice warm baby bath right before bedtime. After you dry him off, you might also try giving him a little massage with some baby lotion.That might help calm your baby down and let him know that bedtime is near.

When pj's are on, use a couple thin blankets to swaddle him up like a little buritto. The nurse should have showed you how to swaddle him in the hospital. If you don't remember how, don't worry. Just look it up online, or ask the nurse at your pediatrician's office.

Then hold him close to your chest, so that he can hear your heart beating. You can hum a little lullaby to him or whatever you'd like, but watch his eyes. When his eyelids start to flutter & stay closed for longer periods of time, that's an indication that he's getting ready to fall asleep, and you can go ahead and try to place him in his crib. That way, he won't actually fall asleep in your arms; instead, he'll be in his own bed. If he starts to fuss a little, just place your hand on him, keep humming, and pat him softly until his eyes close.

Just remember, doing the same routine in the same order every night will make it easier for baby to know what to expect next and ease his transition. Worked great for my little one, and she was going to sleep independently by 6 months without any of this needed!

NOTE: If he doesn't like sleeping on his back, then try placing him on his side. You can purchase a little support for him at the store (TARGET, BABIES R US) for around $10 that will keep baby from rolling onto his back or stomach. Works great!

Good luck to you, and I promise, there are better, more sleep filled nights ahead of you. Keep trying different things, and I'm sure you'll find something that works best for you. Take care and congrats on that new bundle of joy!

Laura - posted on 05/28/2010

I agree with Liz...although i have not read the book mentioned i do believe that you can start a routine very early. I have also just had a baby. He is 7 weeks old now and he always falls asleep on his own. i cuddle him lots and we go by the rule of feed play sleep...i feed and burp him, he then has tummy time where his older sister annoys him constantly or cuddles with mommy and daddy and then we wrap him and he goes down for a sleep...of course he wants to be where we are....but he can't be all of the time. You need time to yourself too!!! And holding him constantly is only going to make you more frustrated. if you think that there is something wrong with your baby then definatly go and get him checked out it.

Mandii - posted on 05/28/2010

I dont see it as spoiling your baby by holding him all the time at that age. Newborn babies need comfort and security from their mothers. So give him a cuddle until he settles and then place him in his bed, You will probably find he will settle quite easy and sleep better after having a cuddle from his mummy.

Michelle - posted on 05/27/2010

It sounds that he may have a case of colic. Gripe Water works really well. And I agree with everybody that you can't spoil your baby at this age. I still hold my 10 month old until she tries to squirm away. You may also want to check with your doctor about colic.
Good Luck

Tracey - posted on 05/27/2010

sometimes sound helps :) my son liked music (lullaby) I will agree he is still very young I had my son in bed a lot with me for the first little while then I had the crib right beside the bed and then moved the bed farther away from me each night and then the next step was into his own room.

Liz - posted on 05/27/2010

If you have not read the book Babywise you haven't yet tried everything. I had my boys sleeping through the night, 5 to 6 hours+ in just a week to two weeks from bringing them home from the hospital. I highly recommend it!



You can't sit and hold him all the time, it's bad for both of you. You need a set routine and the ones outlined in the book I mentioned works wonders! I hope you try it, good luck!

Jennifer - posted on 05/27/2010

It won't spoil him to hold him! It's actually good for babies to be held, it helps them to grow. He still doesn't know night from day -- that will be at least a month away -- and wakes every two to three hours around the clock, right? My first one was like that (luckily dd slept great from the get-go, who knows why). Anyway, if you're breastfeeding, try nursing him lying down, at least then you will be able to get some rest. Otherwise, try to have bottles already ready at night so all you have to do is warm them a bit. He may be reacting to the formula if you're using it. Although a lot of it is that they are still very new at that age and so difficult to figure out. Have you tried all the fussy baby things -- swaddle, swing, white noise? Blackout shades in the room where he sleeps? Taking him outside during the early morning to signal his body that it's daytime?

Charity - posted on 05/27/2010

My son was the same way until I realized that he just wanted to be outside! He is almost three now but when he was only several weeks old he would cry and I could not for the life of me figure out what the matter was. My husband was asleep and I didn't want to wake him so I took my son outside and rocked him in our outdoor rocking chair and he calmed down almost just as soon as we went outside. It may or may not work for you but it did for us. I hope it helps you too! To this day my son loves being outside!

LeeAnn - posted on 05/27/2010

My son didn't sleep in his own room until he was about 7 weeks old, and for the first 5 weeks, the only way we could get him to sleep was RIGHT next to one of us. Everyone says not to do it, but I was a better mommy when I got to sleep for longer than 10 mins at a time. Good luck

Kelina - posted on 05/27/2010

You can't spoil your child and two weeks is probably too early to start teaching self soothing. I again would recommend a sling or a snugli, my son was the same way and it was the only way i could get things done around the house like dishes etc. You kind of have to twist into some weird positions but it works. My son was also milk protein intolerant and we didn't find that out until he was 6 months. Something that worked for me although was exhausting was nrusing and jiggling at the same time, walking back and forth. After about 15 twenty minutes of this he would pass right out and I could put him back in his bassinet and sleep for all of two hours! Like everyone has said he won't sleep through the night right now, the best I have heard was 6 weeks and she was formula fed and a daddys girl. And enjoy it while you can! Once they start moving, cuddling becomes a thing of the past for a while. Good luck!

Gloria - posted on 05/27/2010

At 2 weeks they don't normally sleep all night. They need too many feedings (every 2-3 hrs of nursing). Maybe your LO (little one) has colic? Although, sometimes you have to let them cry. Even at that age (prob a bit older) they can try to manipulate you. A friend of ours' LO cries until she's held and then is fine. So, now to avoid the crying she's never put down. If your LO's fed and clean I say its no problem to let him cry for a bit. He can learn to self soothe. It may be hard now but you're life will be easier later on.

Good Luck

Kendra - posted on 05/27/2010

hi lay him on your heart an let him listen to your heart beat

Lisseth - posted on 05/26/2010

Like everyone said you can't spoil a newborn. Two weeks is very young to sleep at night, but if all he does is cry he might have colic. Swaddling is suppose to help babies who are colicky and they also say if you put the baby face down on your knees and massage their back, leg exercises, also walking around. My little one liked her vibrating bassinet.

Kim - posted on 05/26/2010

If he's not crying in your arms, keep him there. I would put a baby blanket between myself and the baby (to warm it up) and when the baby fell asleep I'd move her/him to the crib with the blanket underneath. The cool sheets would wake them and I would have to start over again, but the blanket kept them comfy and sleeping.

If he is crying while holding him, could be colic or reflux. check with your pediatrician, there are things you can do to help.

Heather - posted on 05/26/2010

YOU CAN'T SPOIL A NEWBORN. hold him, rock him. i'm a mom of 3 boys, my youngest is 8 months. my middle son cried at night. every night. if your nursing, try cutting out all dairy for 2 weeks and see how that goes, or try changing the formula (with doctors ok). taking dairy out of my diet worked for me.

Melissa - posted on 05/26/2010

You can't spoil a baby that young! At that age they still need your love, touch, and comfort. Until about four months do everything you can to comfort him. Even if it means rocking with him or laying him in a bassinet by your bed with your arm around him.

Monica - posted on 05/26/2010

I've got a 7wk old baby and I hold him as much as possible. They are still so young that you can't hurt your baby by holding him as much as possible. It's actually good for them. Imagine having been held snug and safe for 9mths and then be thrown into this world of bright lights and cold. You are your baby's comfort. Hold him as much as possible and don't worry about spoiling.

Cassie - posted on 05/26/2010

Hold him as much as possible.

Ink - posted on 05/26/2010

Maybe this video can help you... It is called The Happiest Baby On The Block. I have purchased the whole video, but there is a great summary here on youtube if you can't buy the video. Dr Harvey Karp really seems to have a way with the babies. His theory works by using the same motions that the baby experienced in the womb.
The Five S's are, Swaddling, swinging, sucking, shushing and shaking (NOT SHAKING... BUT JIGGLING)

http://www.thehappiestbaby.com
His video really saved me a time or two! I learned a lot from him.

Cherry Mae - posted on 05/26/2010

you can't spoil baby that young...if it works on him, i mean when your holding him, then do it...

and yes i agree with letting your baby sleep in your chest..it really helps baby to become calm and then fall asleep easily..i've tried that and it works well.. anyway, babies on that age don't really have sleep pattern yet as they are still trying to adjust in their extra uterine life....

Jeni - posted on 05/25/2010

You cant spoil a baby that young, you cant really spoil a baby under 1, 2 week is very young still.
Have you tried just lying him on your chest so he can hear your heartbeat?
Turning on the vacuum cleaner or music? (something he might be used to hearing through your tummy :) )
Good luck x

Nikki - posted on 05/25/2010

Buy a sling, you cannot spoil a young baby. They grow so fast, cuddle him and enjoy these early days.

Lisa - posted on 05/25/2010

At 2 weeks old ur bub is still adjusting to his new enviroment. He may not be readdy to sleep through the night yet. All i can say is comfort him when he wants it. Enjoy the infant stage as once they start crawling and investigating the world there won't be as many cuddles. Get some sleep during the day when bub is napping. There is no such thing as spoiling an infant.

Kristin - posted on 05/25/2010

You CANNOT spoil him at this age. If what he needs and will work is to hold him, then why not do it?

Alanna - posted on 05/25/2010

your baby may have colic which does seem to get worse at night. try gripe water after feeds to wind him easier and you can find things on net to show you some exercises for baby as there is another condition doctors call uncomfortable baby syndrome where its hard for them to pass wind through both ends. i did these exercises and helped alot and is also a bonding experience. and like the other mums have said you cannot spoil your newborn. being close to you and feeling your heart beat like he did before he was born will make him feel safe and secure

Sonya - posted on 05/25/2010

If a bath bottle and swaddling him doesnt work I would put mine on his tummy and he slept peacefully for hours.

Shantel - posted on 05/25/2010

You might have to hold him, 2 weeks is not long, if you said 2 yrs, then maybe...
Newborns are very attached to mommies, some are very independent right away. I have 6 kids, and I usually sleep with my babies for the first 2 months and then start introducing cereal and such. All my other kids were really independent quickly and started sleeping all night right away, but my last baby is really attached to me, they say it has something to do with the birthing process, I had an emergency c section and was out for a while so I didn't get to hold her right away, so now she always is up under me and she's 5 months, I'm expecting her to sleep all night by next month and then maybe I'll get to sleep all night too. But 2 weeks is too early to expect anything.

Christy - posted on 05/25/2010

You can't spoil him by holding him. But I get you need to put him down sometimes! Try swaddling him tightly. Also a quiet TV in the background. My son did this but the reason he was screaming all the time is he had acid reflux really bad and we didn't know until he was 6 months old. Have him checked for that if you can at the next appt.

Laurie - posted on 05/25/2010

Jennifer - don't worry about spoiling yuor child by holding him too much - it is not possible until the child is much older - say 6 months or so. My daughter was very clingy as well but gradually she got used to being on her own and now at 8 months will sit quite happily on the floor by her self. One thing you may want to check if you are breastfeeding is whether your son is getting enough to eat if he seems to cry continually. He may seem to be nursing and getting food but may not be. If you can get your hands on a scale that measures in ounces or grams and can hold enough weight to hold your baby in a large bowl or something then you can weigh him just before and just after feeding to see how much he is actually drinking. At two weeks I would think he should be getting about 3 to 5 ozs depending on how hungry he is. That may be the problem if he settles down after feeding for the most part but then starts crying a half hour or so later, indicating he's hungry again. Even if he's getting enough though at a feed he's still going to want to eat every two hours or so even through the night. Exhasting I know but in a few weeks he will be big enough to eat more in one go and then sleep longer. If he tends to be fussy just after eating you may not be getting all the gas out or it is possible he is either allergic to your milk (rare but it happens - my brother was that way) or is sensitive to something you are eating which is being passed through the milk. Watch what you are eating and see if he is fussier or better after you eat certain things. He may also simply be one of those babies that needs a lot of contact skin to skin in which case I would recommend getting a sling carrier of some kind so you have your hands free to do other things. While sleeping on the back is not recommended due to SIDS, sometimes you gotta doo what you gotta do - just be careful that you place the baby's head to the side when you put him down and that there are no blankets etc that he could pull over his head to hinder breathing. Sometimes sleeping on a slope - head up about an inch or two higher than the toes but still on the back also helps - especially if your son has problems with spit up. You can get pillows that will help you do this or just put a rolled up towel or something under one end of the crib mattress to prop it up a little.

Sam - posted on 05/25/2010

my son does the same exact thing and hes 3 weeks old he hates being on his back so we tried his stomach..i know people frown upon it but he sleeps very well! i just make sure to watch him when im awake and even when i sleep i wake up just to check on him and i have been doing this the last week and a half and he seems to be okay but this works for me maybe you should try it and see if it works for you :)

Jonna - posted on 05/25/2010

My first slept very well on her own, so when my second child didn't sleep at all, I was shocked. I tried everything with no success until one night I layed him down in his cradle on his stomach and he went right to sleep. He slept well every night on his stomach, but would not sleep on his back. I know that there is a negative stigma on tummy sleeping in the medical community, but it worked for us. Good Luck.