9 week old schedule

[Jenny3065]

Hi FTM - just seeking some advice and some other experiences....

I'm exclusively BF my daughter who is now 9 weeks old. I've got some sort of a schedule developing over the past few weeks ... which is something like 11 nurses a day with bubs going down at night from around 7pm to say 12.30am for a feed. Awake then at 3am and then at 5am. Starting the day at 7am if I can get her to nap longer...

Does anyone think this is ok? Have any advice for creating daytime naps and tips for more playtime - I'm struggling with the lack of sleep! I must have song wheels on the bus a million times now!

Bubs is smiling now which is amazing and makes lack of sleep worth while! But i wish I could get her down for some
Daytime naps - best I get are two 30 minute ones...

Thanks for reading,

I think the beat routines are the ones that suit you and your lovely new DD, much better than trying to get her to conform to a rountine that’s been dreamed up by someone who’s never met either of you

If you’re tired, make sure you get some early nights and take a decent vitamin and mineral supplement.

If the naps are an issue, will she sleep better in a sling, car or Pram? Have you tried the No Cry Nap Solution?

I wouldn't worry about routine so early on- just enjoy the day and cuddle, snooze when you can. 9 weeks is too young to start a schedule (in my experience, anyway). When they get older and you do want/ need a schedule, you'll be ruled by it... so enjoy the freedom!

*best routines

9 weeks old is much to early for any feeding/nap routine. You can introduce a short (20 minute or so) bedtime routine from 6 weeks I believe.

You won't probably get more than 45 minutes nap at a time as that is the length of a sleep cycle in a baby and that doesn't change until 4 months.

My lb didn't get into a proper nap schedule until almost 6 months. Feeding was about 12 weeks I believe but he was FF so that likely makes a difference.

No routine needed. DS2 is 20wks old and I couldn’t tell you how many feeds a day he has, and never has the same amount of sleep two days running. Don’t worry too much about play time either - they’re entertained by silly things at this age. DS is amuses by a big clock on our wall and talks to it every day.

Routines are great once meal times come into the equation, and once you’re back at work and have to be somewhere st a certain time. For right now let baby lead you, esp on feeding schedules, and enjoy the chaos rather than fighting against it. I promise things will be easier for you if you can embrace it.

I wouldn't worry too much about a routine yet, as baby is very young! My daughter had colic when she was first born and was a nightmare at night but your routine that you have already going on sounds quite alright! In my experience it all started to come naturally, when they start differentiating night and day. I bottle fed so can give advice about feeding.. I found putting the housework to one side and napping when baby naps, it's the only thing that kept me sane 🙈 I think it was about the 3 month mark that she slept a lot better, she was having more milk each time so was fuller, I think that helped with the sleeping. I kept her very close to sleep too and eventually it just sorted itself out. I chose 6:30/7 for a bath and then down to sleep but laid with her. Obviously the nights I didn't bathe her I took her clothes off and gave her a wipe wash and new babygro. Sorry if I've rambled!

Can't

Thanks so much to everyone for their messages and insights.

I've just been keeping with what I've already been doing...

She is still going down at around 7.30 - with daylight saving. So 6.30pm before the clocks went back.

Morning nap is still around 9.30am... half hour. But to be honest I've started to relax a lot more rather than clock watching....and we had a lovely day out yesterday. Daddy and I actually got to have a nice lunch at a sunny cafe! Bubs sleeping soundly.

Shall see what the 3 month mark brings but I'm feeling more relaxed - and it's so true that it gets easier!

I'm visiting a friend tomorrow's for morning tea with bubs - any tips about going to other people's houses. Will pack the nappy bag tonight.

Thanks all, Jenny

Glad you are getting settled, it's a big change, cut yourself some slack!

It's much better to not clock watch, you're right!

Glad you got out, I felt like a "normal" person again when I got out and did the usual things or just simply got out the house.

I'd say for going to your friends- take whatever you feel necessary whether it seem too much or not, you'll work it out for yourself. Don't forget a Muslin they are life savers!