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1 reply

Lia1977 · 27/01/2011 17:13

Ive realised that my 17 week old cant self settle. Im a 1st time mum and to be honest I didnt know it's wrong feeding/rocking a baby to sleep. I have a big baby (19 pounds) and as you can imagine rocking him to sleep is getting harder and harder.Ive learnt that I should put him down drowsy so he gains the skill of dropping off on his own. Im also aware that a routine and good daytime naps are important factors that play a major role in nightime sleep. The problem is that I seem to be unable to establish a routine with my LO. Ive read that he should be on a 4 hour feeding routine but every 2 or 3 hours he wants to be fed (im exclusively bf) and he will only do it for about 5 or 6 minutes. He's been like this since he was born. Any tips to help him go longer between feeds? I feel this is the first step to help him become a better sleeper.
Also, is it good enough letting him falling asleep on me and then waking him up (in other words calling for him until he opens his eyes for brief seconds)when i put him down? Any help is appreciated because im at the end of my tether.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Chil1234 · 27/01/2011 18:27

Often, by 17 weeks, a baby will have sorted out his own routine. My DS could never go longer than 3 hours before he wanted feeding again (we formula fed and he could drain a big bottle in 5 minutes easy), so that became the routine.... sounds like your son is the same - eats fast. Regular sleeps can go in between the feeds, no problem. I used to find that a feed and change preceded about an hour wide awake time... then you have to look for signs of tiredness and gently put them somewhere comfortable for a nap or take them for a walk. If they get too tired and fractious they can't settle. And, with my baby, if I made the mistake of letting him go to sleep on me, god help me if I tried moving him! WAH!

"Put him down" was the best advice I ever got. Good luck :)

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