Newborn not sleeping during day

[Ljm2403]

As the title suggests my DD is 5 wks and basically refuses to sleep during the day unless held or in her caboo sling. When in the caboo she'll go 4 hrs between feeds (yay!) but it's impossible to shower or go out in the car. When we're out and about she'll sleep for 15 mins and then PING her eyes are wide open. This the causes restlessness and overtired behaviour in the early-late evening. I'm getting so worn out and feel like a dreadful parent but sometimes she just won't settle and I can't help but think it's somehow my fault and something I'm doing wrong.

[TarkaTheOtter]

Your not doing anything wrong - some babies are just like that. Use the sling/pushchair/cuddles, whatever works. You might not get much done but it's only a short phase, you need to go into survival mode. IME how they sleep in the first three months is not a good indicator of how they will sleep after that. Dd would happily settle in her Moses basket but didn't sleep through til 2. DS only settled upright on my chest for the first 3 months and then went happily in his Moses basket, then cot and is a much better sleeper.

[Rinkydinkypink]

How does she sleep at night?

I had this with my dd! Awake and overtired during the day, slept 4-6 hours straight a night. Sorry to say it didn't last long

Firstly your doing nothing wrong. It sounds like your doing a great job actually.

You have a 5 week old baby that likes mummy a lot and wants to be with you 24/7.

It is exhausting and frustrating and at times annoying. I completely understand.

Keep trying new things. As your dd gets older she will begin to become interested in her toys/playmat. When this happens its a joyous moment . Also remember if baby is safe then a quick shower while they're crying may not be the most relaxing scenario but your dd will be ok and will get used to not being next to you all day.

All you can do is keep going. Try things every day. What works one day won't work the next and this is to be expected.

[PourquoiTuGachesTaVie]

Wanting to be held all the time and being restless in the evenings is entirely normal for a young baby.

[Babybaby1982]

My LO was like this - he was in the sling for the first 10 weeks or so as it was the only place he'd sleep/be content in the day. I used to worry it would be like that forever but it did slowly improve. He's six months now and still isn't the best day sleeper but will now nap in his cot or buggy. It's just something you have to get through, and it won't be forever even though it feels like it.

[CakeMakesMeHappy]

My DD was just like this! She is now nearly six months and naps in the day/sleeps at night. The only way she would sleep in the day was in the sling. I fought it to start with but in the end went with it for my own sanity. I think we were both happier it.
At about three months she grew out of it.

Good luck, make the most of those lovely newborn snuggles x

[Ljm2403]

Thanks so much guys thats reassuring.

I realised that yesterday after her marathon naps she was awake from 2-5am last night, maybe she is just a catnapped as usually she goes 2/3 hours between feeds and goes back to sleep no problem.

[hotfuzzra]

Thanks for posting this ljm, came on here to ask about the same problem.
My 5wo DD sleeps very well at night, 11-6 then after a feed till about 9, but doesn't nap in the day at all unless in sling, then I have to jiggle her to make sure she goes off. I'm reluctant to change things too much as I'm so happy with her night time sleeps!

[Ljm2403]

Nightie sleep what's that lol!! We are still every 2-3 hrs!!

The sling jiggle is now a speciality, sometimes I think she gets a bit sweaty in it though being tucked up so close to me

[hotfuzzra]

Oh no that's awful, I thought babies were either sleepers in day or sleepers in the night
I went to meet nct mums for coffee yesterday and their (bottle fed - don't know if that makes a difference) babies were all asleep, one for over three hours! Mine was awake all fecking day! I started panicking thinking she should be napping more. A couple of MN searches makes me realise it's ok, she's still young and that her 'pattern' will probably change very soon!
Good luck ljm, I'm sure you'll remember these times fondly when we're going through the tantrums!

[Ljm2403]

Thanks hotfuzzra