Newborn sleeping patterns

[newsflash]

Hi all

My DS is 3 weeks on Tuesday and during the day usually wakes every 2-3 hours to feed, mostly 2.

I've noticed at night he's started sleeping for quite long stretches and I'm not sure whether I should be waking him to feed or not!

For example last night he fed at midnight and then I had to wake him up at 4.50am to feed (I was going to wake him at 4am but I fell asleep for too long!)

He fed fine and has now gone back to sleep and not woke up again yet so has been asleep for 3 hours so far.

Is it ok to let him sleep for 4/5 hour stretches?

He is a big boy and has regained his birth weight at his 2 week check up and has lots of wet and dirty nappies.

Would be great to hear your thoughts.

I would say at that age and given his good weight gain, it's fine to leave him for 4/5 hour stretches. Happy for you that you are both getting some good sleep

Ok great! I just don't want him to go hungry but I suppose he will let me know pretty sharpish if he is! Thanks for your reply

I asked the midwife this as my DD (10days old) can quite easily sleep for 5 hours at night...she said if formula feeding and feeding regularly (2-3 hours) during the day then they can be left until they wake naturally. If breastfeeding they shouldn't be left longer than 4-5 hours. Hope that helps

When my DD was a week old she slept midnight til 7. I was totally freaked out as DD1 didn't sleep for more than 4 hours straight til she was a couple of months old. Asked midwife if it was a problem, and she said as long as baby was gaining weight there was no need to worry. She was bf and gaining plenty. Kept this up a few nights a week until she was 3 months, and then decided she'd had enough of that and stared waking every 2-3hours!

So I would say make the most of it while it lasts!