4 week old dd who won't settle through day??

[weeboagie]

Hi, new to mumsnet and parenting! Have beautiful dd who is just 4 weeks and is being breastfed. First 3 weeks were a dream - regular feeds ans plenty of sleep in between. Now having trouble settling through the day. Nights are no problem - feeds every 2/3 hours and goes straight to sleep in between.
During day will not settle unless being held. When I put her down (& I've tried moses basket, cot, car seat, bouncy chair etc) she'll continue to sleep for 10 mins or so and the wake up screaming - often, only another feed will settle her.
She is very healthy and is putting on weight as she should be.
I know it's still early but I can't help being concerned. For the last week, I've hardly been able to put her down between 9am and 9pm and much as I love cuddling her, I'm finding it really stressful.
Any advice would be appreciated - don't know whether she just loves cuddles or if it may be to do with the breastfeeding.

PS - being a mum is just the best!!

hi. there are threads on this "bat babies" and "unputdownable babies". very common at this age. the good news is she will grow out of it in a few weeks/months.

but it can be really stressful while they are like this, yes, I used to just go out all the time with dd1 at this age.
have you tried carrying her around in a sling?

have used baby carrier for walks but haven't tried it around house - will give it a go.
I don't want to overeact but I'm afraid this will lead to clinginess later.
I think I'm just panicking a wee bit too much but everyone else seems to have babies who settle into routines from birth - or are they all lying??

many/most babies are not in a routine ever, or not for months. don't panic!

they get happier being put down a bit older. my dd3 is 5 months and at 4 weeks never went to sleep except breastfed in my arms, also slept in my bed. then at about 3 months she started going to sleep on her own in her own cot. they change so fast.

swaddling for her naps?

weeboagie, have you checked out the "babies born sept 04" thread under the Parenting section? they all have babies about the age of yours, I've just looked and some of them aren't settling, like yours.

Hiya, remeber that feeling something changes and you think that's it forever. I too got very paranoid about making rods for own back but looking back I realise i should have relaxed a bit more in the early days I think after 3 or 4 months you can start to establish 'good' habits. I have read that at 3 weeks they go thru a growth spurt and this does seem to coincide with unsettled times, I b/f my dd & she was fine 1st 3 weeks then suddenly became unsettled I found what helped was expressing and giving supplementary feeds pm. (bit of a gf fan) Dont give up try and chill and think to yourself if I can just get thru one more week etc

Hello WB, I didn't have this but know many who did. Have you tried a nice long walk in the pram? IME this settles most babies.
Realise you may be feeling you should be in the house doign chores, but yr DD is the most important thing.
And the people who say they are in a routine at birth are lying!
But yes, as duvet says, these things pass and you will look back and wonder what the worry was.
Repeat with me...it's a phase, it's a phase...
Welcome to Mumsnet and being a mum btw!

Lay your baby under a playmat with things to look at / musical mobile might keep her happy for a while - put her in her carseat/baby bouncer and let her watch you do chores whilst you talk to her? My DS1 was just like this .

Don't worry it's really common. My ds is 9 weeks and still won't be put down for long and is bad at putting himself to sleep during the day although better at night.
Try the sling, going out for walks, perhaps a darkened room for naps. Forget the housework.
Also have you tried a dummy. It may be that she isn't really hungry but just wants the comfort of sucking. A lot of babies, especially bf ones, won't take one straight off but if you persevere it can gain you some peace.

Ive been in your situation. Heres a thread that I started which may help you.
{http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk?topicid=5&threadid=28156\take a look}

It does get better honestly. I found that about week 8 I could put her down. She still wont sleep on her own but as she seems to need less sleep now it doesnt seem to be so much of a problem. I can now put her down when shes awake and she will happily play on her own which gives me chance to have a wee and a cup of tea.

I dont have any advice on how to cure it sorry. I still cant get DD to sleep on her own anywhere. I still have to hold her. I discovered the internet, which when she needs a nap I log on and hold her. It doesnt seem quite so bad when you can be on mumsnet. The other thing which i really recommend is getting out. I found that befriending other mums where we meet in pubs/houses/playgroups etc really has helped as because im out, holding DD doesnt seem that much of a chore plus she gets to sleep aswell.
CAT me if you want to talk further. I now believe that those babies who nap for 4 hrs a day in their cots are far and few, although it doesnt stop me wanting one next time.

sorry my link didnt work, not sure why.
If you go to search archived messages and type in baby wont be put down to sleep and by kbaby youll find plenty.

just logged on - thanks for all support and tips. Went for long walk today with dd in baby carrier - out like a light for 2 hours. Have begun to try swaddling today - will see how it goes.
Don't know what I'm worried about - it's not as if having to cudddle my wee bundle is a chore!!

just done the search for you. Cant believe how many threads I started on the subject. I was obv very desperate at the time.

Hope these help you. It will pass honestly.

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