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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

Original poster

Tips regarding 6 week old not sleeping

13 replies

YMNH · 23/09/2021 20:33

My baby is 6 weeks old and has just started refusing to sleep. She will show all the signs she is tired so I lay her down and she will doze off for 5 minutes and then pop her eyes back open wide, fully awake. Ive googled it and it does say about sleep regression is normal for 6 week olds but I am so drained and I have no idea what to do. I'm finding myself crying and getting stressed which she's then picking up on. Ive tried cuddling her to sleep which she will do but again after 5 minutes she's awake. I need tips and advice urgently cause I'm really struggling.

OP posts:
Original poster
YMNH · 23/09/2021 20:37

I've also tried using a dummy but she refuses it and spits it out

OP posts:
Thatsplentyjack · 23/09/2021 20:37

When you cuddle her to sleep do you put her down once she's actually asleep or hold on to her? Have you tried putting her to sleep in different places like letting her go to sleep in the pram?
Does she cry when she wakes? If so it could be reflux, or silent reflux (when they don't vomit).

5zeds · 23/09/2021 20:39

I found it easier to focus on food than sleep. In my experience “regressions” are often at growth spurts and what you need is to feed just a little more at each feed.

Original poster
YMNH · 23/09/2021 20:45

I've tried both. Waiting for her to fall asleep fully and when she's still semi awake but the minute I put her down she wakes. She is currently on gaviscon infant for reflux which seems to be helping but I believe she's struggling with infant dyschezia. Ive tried the buggy which she used to fall straight to sleep in but past couple of days she doesn't have any of it.

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Original poster
YMNH · 23/09/2021 20:47

@5zeds she's normally on 4 ounces so I've been making them a 5 ounce but she won't drink the full bottle. She will still only drink the 4 ounces

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5zeds · 23/09/2021 20:49

It doesn’t have to be a whole oz more. You can tip things with just a few more sips.

scully29 · 23/09/2021 20:56

I always say best thing is not to stress about it, babies literally dont sleep like wed like them to. id walk her in the pram or sling or hold her so she can sleep but I wouldnt worry about it as the worry is the bad thing and they really dont sleep. if anything works at all, do that.

Original poster
YMNH · 23/09/2021 20:57

@5zeds I think the infant dyschezia is what's affecting her drinking more because she straining as if to poo but because she's concentrating so much on that, she then doesn't want to take any more milk. I will sit her up to wind her and then try again with the milk but by this point she's worn herself out and just refuses the milk

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DP2019 · 23/09/2021 21:00

I could have wrote this ! My little boy slept really well until around 4/5 weeks old. Then he became really colicky and gassy and sleep became a nightmare. He's coming out of the other side of this now .... HOWEVER, is struggling to sleep. The only way we get any sleep is by swaddling him. If he is not swaddled he goes in his cot and is awake within 5 minutes, we can keep going ... asleep, awake, asleep, awake numerous times ! Once he's swaddled .... we get a good few hours where he sleeps... . Between 2 and 6 hours, depending on when he gets hungry. I really want to transition him out of his swaddle but he will just NOT sleep without it, unless he is led on me or his dad. He must love feeling contained, it must make him feel safe. It's just an idea. Could it be that your baby has lost lost their startle reflex yet ? I really feel your pain. X

Original poster
YMNH · 23/09/2021 21:17

@DP2019 I havent tried swaddling yet as she is a really sweaty baby and gets hot quickly. Is there anything particular you use to swaddle without them over heating.

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DP2019 · 24/09/2021 02:28

[quote YMNH]@DP2019 I havent tried swaddling yet as she is a really sweaty baby and gets hot quickly. Is there anything particular you use to swaddle without them over heating.[/quote]
I personally just use a cellular blanket or a large Muslin cloth. My DS does stil have the startle reflex and at any slight noise or movement his arms and legs jump which wakes him up. He's just turned 10 weeks. He also loves to sleep being cuddled. I guess the swaddle makes him feel like he's still being held. Not all babies like it but might be a worth a try.

Original poster
YMNH · 24/09/2021 04:57

@DP2019 I'm.not sure she will like being swaddled as when she does actually sleep, her arms are up by the side of her head but it's worth a try as I'm running out of options thankyou

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DP2019 · 24/09/2021 07:21

[quote YMNH]@DP2019 I'm.not sure she will like being swaddled as when she does actually sleep, her arms are up by the side of her head but it's worth a try as I'm running out of options thankyou[/quote]
Yeah I did wonder, as if she's never been swaddled she might not like it. You can buy arms up swaddles that are like sleep sacks but just have the arms in to keep their arms above their heads. They are expensive but normally lots on eBay / Facebook market place. I hope she starts to sleep for you. I have a 2 year old that was exactly the same and now a 10 week old. I think I just create children that don't like to sleep: 😴 💤. One day you will look back and enjoy the cuddles but when your in the moment it's so hard xx

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