Crazy sleep patterns.

[agentmolar]

Our little man is a bit rough on my wife. He tends to sleep for an hour, wake up ravenous and then want to feed. He takes about an hour to settle then the cycle starts again. Its being tough on her, because once you've changed them, fed them, burbed them and then they grizzle. Its hard to know what to do.

We are a bit concerned that he is getting used to co sleeping with us on the couch. (its the only way we are getting any sleep at the moment) I've read from some places that thats ok / normal and may help him develop less dependency, but we are a little worried that he will get more and more used to it. Is there a danger of a habit setting in?

Its been a bit crazy being a new dad and mum. My hats off to you guys who have had more after the first!

[Purplebird]

Sounds like it's a very new baby - Congratulations! This is completely normal and it will get better and easier. Don't worry about the co-sleeping thing. My DD napped in my arms for most of her sleeps for at least the first three months and she didn't develop a dependency. Just do whatever makes life more soothing relaxing and EASY for all 3 of you and above all - enjoy!

[agentmolar]

Thanks, we actually got told off when we were at the hospital! The little tyke wouldnt settled and cuddled up to my chest, then we both crashed as i lay upright on the couch.

I quite liked sleeping like this with him, but the midwife was adamant that i was going to crush him. Now I feel like a right naughty boy at home now, but DS likes it. ( I assume I used the correct abbreviation? )

We keep getting told he will settle more after 6 weeks or so, I imagine that is give or take a week right?

[purtig]

I have many many photos of DS1 asleep all bunched up on my hubby's chest - some from day 2 or 3 in the hospital - they both loved it and it used to calm DS right down to lay on DH's chest and hear his hearbeat. DS didn't actually co-sleep with us, just had the odd nap like this. Most of the time we carried him into his room from there, sometimes he had his whole nap on DH's chest!

It does seem to get easier after around 6 weeks - you are more used to being a parent then I guess. Hang in there, the nights get easier and as you get more confidence as parents bub gets much more enjoyable!!

[misskittyfantastico]

Congratulations on your new bub:goodvibes: It's a wonderful but gah, the sleeplessness!

I've put a link to some other threads on co-sleeping (I co-sleep with my youngest) just for some different info http://www.bubhub.com.au/community/forums/search.php?searchid=9603565

I wouldn't worry AT ALL that you're creating bad habits, sleep is the priority!

[agentmolar]

sleep is the priority!


lol you're not wrong. I justify slothing on the couch during the weekend with the little man as "catch up " time and giving my wife a break. Plus I get out of the housework! :laughing: Im in for it once she sees through my cunning plan.

We've been lucky to be able to take over from each other when one us feels like we are losing it! I dont know how single parents cope :eek:

[veve]

no issues with co sleeping etc .. but just be careful on the couch .. its one of the places that SIDS doesn't recommend .. due to the fact that the baby can roll/ slide between you and the couch side ..

:hugs: congrats on the new bubba .. and yes .. the early days are exhausting - hopefully he settles a little .. soon ..

xx
Jen

[Aquillah]

My DS was exactly the same - wanting to be on us and sleep upright and no he didnt develop a dependancy.

One thing I will highly reccomend is a motorised swing. Beg, Borrow or steal if you cant afford one but my god my son only slept only in there during they day.They are a miracle! I borrowed a fisher price one that came from a baby shop. It had different speeds, music and a little mobile above it. It was $300 but if I had to buy it was worth every cent. I was petrified thats the only place he would sleep forever, but no, he eventually went down in his own bed.

It is normal. I would also reccomend a sling for during the day to get stuff done. They just want to be close ( as they should be) and you can get stuff done. There is lots of choices and Im sure people can reccomend some great ones. I just used a Baby Bjorn but there is alot of choices. I also found my son was a terrible sleeper in his cradle, put in his cot (in our room) tightly wrapped and slept alot better.

Goodluck, it does get better and its great you can support each other!:flowerz:

[SilverStarfish]

You do what you have to do :yes: But like Veve said, just be careful on the couch. A cheapo mattress from Clarkes Rubber on the lounge room floor would be safer.

My eldest - and my friend's daughter too - spend many many MANY nights in their first years draped sleeping across their respective Dad's laps as they gamed all night on the computer!

Don't be beating yourself up about "bad habits" and fretting away these early precious moments with what you think you "should" be doing - I know it doesn't feel like it now, but your little baby is going to grow soooo fast!

If you are happy, and your baby is happy and everyone is safe, then you are doing a fantastic job :goodvibes:


Congratulations!!

[Jenko]

Congratulations agentmolar :) Welcome to parenthood ;)

You've come to the right place for great advice :yes: As others have said, get your sleep any way you can. I remember fretting about bad sleep habits etc when my DD (my 1st) was a newborn. After a few months I relaxed, but I wish I had gone with the flow a bit more instead of stressing about her sleep 'all the time' We ended up co-sleeping simply because it just worked for all of us.

When I had DS I was much more relaxed and let him sleep on me all the time. He didn't take to co-sleeping the way DD did, but I remember carrying him around the house asleep in the early days just because he was so happy and content in my arms. :cloud9: A sling or baby carrier can come in handy too.

I also reccomend a baby swing if you haven't got one. My DS would sleep for hours in his swing.