Realistic sleep expectations for 6-8 week old

[graysor]

Ds is 6 weeks, and his sleep is very random and variable. I’m trying to work out what is vaguely normal / to be expected in terms of how much he should sleep at night, and how easy ( or not) it should be to get him settled.
What was your dc doing at this age?

I think every baby is different.

I was lucky. DD1 was sleeping about 6/7 hours by 6 weeks and DD2 was 8 hours.

Pretty sure that's not the norm though.

I'd say very random and variable is normal!

I would say have no expectations of any sleep and you won't be disappointed and anything more will be a bonus.

Mine woke every hour or two max until last week (4.5mo)

DS1 and DS2: awake very 1.5-2 hours for a Feed. DS2 would go straight back down. DS1 would take an hour to settle after every feed. Nearly killed me.

DS3: three feeds per night and straight back down.

Up every 3 hours or so for a feed that lasted 40 mins+ so about 2 hours sleep in between each block.

Thanks. I agree that no or low expectations is best!

Ds is managing about 2 hours between feeds. Feeding takes about 40 mins, and then about another half hour or more to settle him back to sleep. So I’m not getting much sleep. Although dh is doing some of the settling so I can get back to sleep quicker.

I’m not so fussed about the regular feeding. I just wish I could put him down again easily after!

I totally understand that! Although you probably don’t want to hear that I’m awake because I’ve been up for the 2nd time tonight with my 2 year old... I’m 8 months pregnant and have no idea how we are going to cope when the 2nd one arrives!

Waking about every 2/3 hours, but might cluster feed every so often, it can feel like they're constantly feeding!

I wouldn't be stressing too much about a routine apart from using sure the days are full of light and more active (maybe go for walks as natural light helps them to get their rhythms right), and the nights are dark and calm. Also a good bedtime routine so that they know when night time starts and day time ends. I always gave mine a bath before bed (and still do).

But ultimately 6 wks is still very, very young. I do think putting these things in place helps in the long run, but i wouldn't put pressure on yourselves to establish a strict routine.

All babies are different. My two boys loved sleep and settled very easily after feeds. My DD was a terrible sleeper who would not let me put her down. You can try wedging a blanket between you both when you're feeding her, so when you put her down she is still in contact with the blanket and it smells of you. It might help.