1 month old won't sleep longer than 30 minutes away from me

[skyR]

Hi

My one month old will settle for a 2 to 3 hour sleep if someone else puts her down once she's sound asleep but she won't do the same for me!

I swaddle her, put on white noise and hold her for at least half an hour once she's asleep. At first she settles well in her side of bed crib but after half an hour she wakes up. I'm guessing this is when she's at the lightest point of her sleep cycle. I've tried gently singing to her and rubbing her tummy to try and help her settle but she stays awake!

I've tried co sleeping but then I can't sleep because she kicks about so much!

I'm wondering if I just happen to pick bad times to put her down or if it's more to do with me being her mum. I'd really appreciate any advice on how I can get some sleep!

Thanks

Sky

Hi Sky

I would try putting her down much easier, when only just going to sleep.

Swaddle, feed, wind until dozibg on your shoulder. Then bend at the waist and lower baby (still in same winding position and on your shoulder) with your torso I to the crib.

Expect baby to stir. In fact you want baby to stir a tiny bit so she consciously realises she's in the crib and not in your arms when going to sleep.

Upon lowering baby (swaddled, fed and winded) into the crib and baby stirring, place your hand on baby's chest. Not too much movement, quite still, calm and quiet. Your hand is a replacement for feeling the weight of your torso on baby's chest. It's so baby knows you are there.

Keep your face close to baby. Lie down next to crib (on your bed) if you can. Let baby continue to feel your hand, feel your breath, hear you breathing. Occassionally offer a long slow shushhhhhhh if needed. But not constantly. Likewise rub your hand in circles or pat gentle if baby is squirming. But not constantly.the aim is for calm, quiet reassurance - so baby knows with all her senced that you are there, without too much distraction.

Then just wait. Be patient. Dont rush off leaving baby as quick as you can. Be gentle and slow.

Correction (due to autocorrect):

"I would try putting her down much easier earlier,* when only just going to sleep."

Good advice. Just wanted to add, have you tried a dummy? DP and I were against it but I also have a 4 week old and started with one a couple days ago. It's magic!