Is my 6 week old normal?

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Our boy is 6 weeks old and so far the longest he sleeps is for 2 hours (only when being held) and he feeds every hour (currently for 15-20 mins).

Sleeping: 8-10 hours total (3-4 x 30 minute naps during the day / 6-8 x 1 hour maximum sleeps during the night)

Feeding: 15-20 times a day (for 15-20 minutes)

Nappies: 1-2 dirty / 5-6 wet per day

He seems to be developing well, babbling/smiling, good weight, doesn't cry a lot - but he does seem very unsettled (jerking) almost all the time.

I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, except the OH getting some down time occasionally. But the lack of sleep (and number of feeds) does sound extreme. We swaddle him, use white noise, rock him to sleep, and he mainly co-sleeps. Any advice appreciated!

It sounds as though it's within the normal range but it might be worth getting him checked for tongue tie.

How's his latch?

Sounds normal for a six week old.

Thanks for your reply. Our midwife already suggested this and did the procedure a couple of weeks ago although it hasn’t changed much. We think he’s just very hungry!

Thanks for your reply. Our midwife already suggested this and did the procedure a couple of weeks ago although it hasn’t changed much. We think he’s just very hungry

Ok so did she check for a posterior tt and lip tie? Often posterior tongue ties can be missed.

When you say jerking, do you mean jerky movements of his limbs, or his trunk or whole body jerking? Jerky limb movements are normal at this age, so if it's jerky, flailing arms and legs, you might just have an active baby. If his whole body is jerking, I'm less certain – I'd probably try to get it on video to show a midwife/health visitor/GP.

The sleep certainly seems lower than average, but if he's generally happy, that may just be his normal. If he sleeps best when held, have you tried a sling so that he can sleep on you/your partner, but you can still do things?

It’s mainly his arms and legs, he does stiffen up quite often but burping settles him. We’ve actually just ordered a sling online. He’s definitely very active and has been since early on in pregnancy. And he’s generally happy although this week he’s cried a bit more than usual - but that looks expected.

Overall our gut feel is he is doing great, just super active and really hungry. He seems wide awake most of the time and highly engaged and we just find it a bit difficult to calm him down to sleep.

@BunnyRuddington I think he just had the anterior tt done, but he has 6-8 week check next week so i'll ask about posterior

It's probably not worth asking the GP. You would be extremely lucky to find a HCP who knows what they are looking for. Probably best to speak to a Tongue Tie Practioner to rule out any other ties.

I just searched using this link and our midwife is listed here who performed the anterior tt. I’ll get in touch with her again to discuss it. Thanks for sharing this.

I just searched using this link and our midwife is listed here who performed the anterior tt. I’ll get in touch with her again to discuss it. Thanks for sharing this

That sounds like a good plan. Like I said, it could all be normal but there's a chance it could be another tie.