Clenched Hands and Feet

[ailsa70]

My son who is 12 weeks old is always clenching his hands and feet. I know this is supposed to be a tired sign but he does it all the time. He doesn't sleep much during the day though so maybe this is a contributing factor. He only sleeps for 45 minutes every 3 to 4 hours. Has anyone else had this? It is starting to worry me. I thought he would have grown out of it by now.

[reAllytee]

Yeah clenching is usually a tired sign which even at 10mths i use as the first sign bubs wants a nap !
Maybe your bubs is doing this as he is only sleeping the 45mins which means he is still tired. Its pretty standard for a lot of babies to awake after 45mins as thats the way their sleeping patterns are. Have you tried re-settling bubs when he re-awakes ? As in not picking him up unless he is really crying & needs soothing cause maybe if he is only grizzling he wants to go back off but being picked up wakes him up IYKWIM. It can be very hard at times to get these sorts of things down pat especially as every baby is different. The other thing you can try is something like a sling or baby carrier during the day as this will make bubs feels safe being close to you so he my sleep longer & you can go about your routine with your hands free.
But maybe its also a sign of wind pain which may be another thing you need to watch making sure he is burped properly & maybe even layed flat across your lap after a feed to help the pressure relieve itself.
Otherwise i would maybe try & have a talk with your CHN or doctor about it if your worried it may be another problem.
Goodluck :)

[ailsa70]

Thanks for your advice Allyoo. I have tried resettling but to no avail he seems wide awake after his 45 minute nap and not interested in going back to sleep. He loves his sling and probably spends about a third of the day in it. I think you're right about him not getting enough sleep but I just don't know how to get him to have any more. He is quite good at night so I guess I should be thankful of that. I never had any of these probs with my first...he was very easy. It's like being a first time mum again.

[reAllytee]

***hugs***
I know it can be hard i had dramas myself.
Maybe is just happy as he is especially if he is sleeping overnite & content in his sling after all he just wants to be close to mama it seems & who can blame him right ? :D
If he is feeding well & happy enough then i wouldnt stress too much as not every baby is like the textbooks :D
Hope things work out for you & you find some sort of routine :)