5 week old only sleeping when held/cuddled

[Deardsy]

Hey there

For the past few days and nights, our baby has not settled for a sleep in his Moses basket or travel cot and will only sleep on us. I am breastfeeding so at the moment, feeding on demand and nursing him to sleep before waiting 15-30 mins before transferring him to his cot. For the first 2-3 weeks of his life, he slept really well but has now changed it up (as babies do)! I know he is overtired as he is finding it really difficult to settle himself to sleep even on the breast but I'm not quite sure what to do...I have a 'closer' sling which he seems to like and I'm guessing would sleep in all day if I allowed it but I'm not sure if this is a good idea as I obviously want him to get used to sleep laying flat as they no doubt get a better sleep in a cot/Moses basket. I had the same problem with my daughter but I had the time with her to just allow her to sleep on me but now that I have an active toddler, the luxury to cuddle all day isn't there! Any advice welcome. Thanks

I think if the sling works then go with it! I had my DD in a sling for what felt like years when she was a tiny baby (she's 9 months now). If you think back to DC1, you probably spent a lot of time holding them too. Plenty of time for cots and Moses baskets - just enjoy the snuggles while you can. I'm very of newborn snuggles, DD is too big for this now!

Thanks lucidlady, you're so right, I should just enjoy the cuddles as they soon stop! Another thing I didn't mention though was that because my ds seems to be on me at all times either feeding or snoozing, my 2 year old dd is starting to act up as she is understandably missing her mummy so I am feeling incredibly guilty! I am trying to involve her as much as possible in everything I do with dd and do fun activities with her when possible but can't help but feel terrible for her! I know it'll get better and she'll get used to it but it's heartbreaking :(

Agree with lucid, if DS will sleep in his sling in the day, that frees you from the settee for a bit and lets you spend some more time with DD. Can well remember those days, and am a bit too .

At night have you tried white noise and swaddling? You might find some good tips here. The best way we all got any sleep was just to stick them in bed with me at this age, have you got the WHO guidelines on safe bedsharing?

The other problem that DD probably is experiencing is that most of her usual routne is out because of the summer holidays. Have a look at your local NCT groups as they usually run during the school holidays and take them both along, you'll get some adult company and a cuppa and DD will get some small people to play with. You should be able to find your local group here and I think your local LLL might run in the holidays too.

There are some tips on managing a newborn and a toddler here. You know the score though, it is intense now but will soon pass. Mine used to be just like this and are now trying to kill each other over a box of lego while I ignore them .

Swaddling worked well for DS - I couldn't put him down for 8 weeks, then we tried swaddling with a stretchy blanket and he would do at least until the first feed in his crib. We swaddled until 15 weeks and he went into his sleeping bag fine. I can't link from my iPhone, but if you google 'swaddling babies' I think it's the first one that comes up is a great swaddle - a blonde American lady demonstrating on a little doll on her living room table. It's a good one that doesn't come undone.