Newborn keeps staying awake for hours on end

[DontKnow72511]

He's up for 3-5 hours ( 2 weeks old ) sleeps for an hour then is up again. Does anybody have any expiernece on this? Whys he doing it?

Him and me have had 2 hours sleep last night, DD is awake so there's no chance of me being able to get back to sleep

I've had to put him downstairs on his own because I'm starting to get frustrated now,

Why does he keep doing this? Why won't he sleep? I've done everything I can and nothing is helping

Feed feed feed feed feed is usually the answer at this age.

You could also try a swaddle.

Do you mean during the night? If so, he has days and nights mixed up. Keep nights dark, quiet, with minimum interaction and nappy changes only if absolutely necessary, and have him nap in daylight. It takes some time to learn the difference between day and night though.

I do swaddle and he'll happily sit there in it but it doesn't make him sleepy,

He has started feeding nearly every hour the past few days, ( bottle fed ) and has from 30ml to 70ml each time.

Yea during the night, if it was daytime I'd have no issues, if it was just me and him I'd be able to catch up on sleep during the day but I have a 2 year old DD so can't.

I barely spoke to him the 5 hours he was up but he still stayed awake, how can I get him to stay awake during the day? He's slept for 4 hours n just woke up, I wish he'd sleep like this at night.

My DD was very easy, fed every 4 hours, was asleep for 2/3 hours straight, I don't remember it being this difficult the first time round

Thanks for the replies

If he's bottle fed have you tried a dummy? Might satisfy his need to suck

I was feeding him when I was writing out that first message, he's had 60ml of a bottle and now he's back fast asleep.

Yes, he wouldn't take to any of the ones we'd bought, accidentally gave him one of DDs old ones and it's the only one he likes.

I have no idea how to make him realise day time is for being awake

Can your get out into daylight as much as possible? I think 12-4 are the crucial times.

His very young and this is very normal.
I think readjusting expectations is needed.
He will get his night and days soon enough.

aw it's starting to look like I have an answer for every suggestion,

I have my couch in front of my window so I'm facing in but with him in my arms he's facing the window, when hot in my arms he's in his bouncer in front of sofa facing the window,

I know it will get easier over time, I'm just struggling with the non stop nights and then having to wake up and instantly entertain DD

I'm just wondering if I give him a bath to keep him awake how long should I have him in for? Asking because he's easily over stimulated.

I'm trying to think what else I can do to keep him awake for a little longer

He'a 2 weeks old. By rights he should still be inside you for another 11 weeks (at least). Expecting him to work like clockwork is unrealistic.

Odds are your daughter was "easier" because she was the only one and you didn't have to consider anyone but you and her.

I'm just struggling with the non stop nights and then having to wake up and instantly entertain DD

That's what having 2 is all about!

I think he will figure it out himself as your family is busy in the day. Just keep him in the same room as your dd during the day for naps, lights on etc and make night waking dark and calm. He'll get there!

Except that in the womb quiet = time to wake up.

He's in his 4th trimester. Movement and muted noise will sooth him to sleep. Lying in a bouncy chair he's too small to move himself or in arms isn't putting in all the elements he needs for sleep.

Is he crying when he's awake? If not can't you still get some sleep?
He will get the hang of days and nights as long as you keep nights dark/quiet and days light, noisy, active etc. He's still very very tiny!