5 week old only wants to be held

[FakeTurtle]

I've just got my baby back from the hospital a couple of days ago, he was in there for over a month after being born early.
He doesn't settle in his cot at all, he'll fidget and cry until he's picked back up. This has lead to co-sleeping which I know you're not supposed to do but it's the only way he will sleep.
He doesn't even like being out down during the day, he'll cry until he gets a cuddle. I just want to know is this normal? Is it okay? I feel really guilty like the time in the hospital has traumatised him and he doesn't like being put down in case he doesn't get picked up again for ages. That probably sounds crazy but it makes me feel bad.

It's completely normal, OP. He's still very tiny and this won't last forever. He's not traumatised, my DD was exactly the same and we were out of hospital the next day. He just still thinks he's part of you. Take a look at fourth trimester stuff online.

It sounds like you've both had a tough start so go easy on yourself. Invest in a sling if you've not got one so you're not pinned to the sofa if he wants to nap on you.

And enjoy the cuddles because they're over far too fast!

It's very normal. Just hold him, he'll soon be a wriggly toddler and you won't get more than a couple of minutes, if you're lucky!
Look up safe co-sleeping although it's not recommended for low birthweight. Maybe a next to me with your hand on him would work if this is the case.
You could try a sleepyhead and/or swaddling to give you a bit of a break, he might like feeling cocooned.
It won't mean he never sleeps alone, it's just what he needs now. Just do what works.

It's very normal OP. Google "fourth trimester".

In terms of cosleeping it absolutely can be done safely. See these safe cosleeping guidelines here.

The amount of pressure on parents to put baby down and make sure they sleep on their own/can be independent is insane. It's fine if you hold him all day long... you may want to invest in a sling though!!

It's totally, completely normal! But I know how you feel, cause I've recently been through the same thing. It eventually ended and one day (at about 4.5months) he just decided he didnt want to be held anymore and settled straight away in his cot!

Also I assume you might know this, but babies who have been in hospital for a while also struggle to adjust to how quiet home is, so maybe keep white noise on while hes sleeping?

My youngest was just like this. She wasn't born early though.

It's perfectly normal.

I found putting baby in a sling during the day worked well. She was close to me and happy but I could still function and do things like make a cup of tea or make a sandwich for her older sister. She would doze off in the sling and when very deeply asleep I could move her into her buggy for a while - she never liked the cot.

At night we co slept. It was the only way she would sleep. I followed safely guidance and I actually enjoyed the closeness of co sleeping. Both baby and I got a much better night's sleep by ditching trying to get her to sleep in the cot and just embracing the co sleeping approach.

If I had another baby I would actively choose to co sleep again. Lots of people do.

Go with your instinct and do what you feel is right for you and your baby.

Absolutely normal OP. I co-slept with my baby for 6 months now’s he’s a little wriggler and won’t sleep next to me at all. I’m sorry you guys were in hospital for so long.

Slings really help. Best wishes.

Absolutely normal. My DS was a Velcro baby and needing holding at all times. Get yourself a soft sling so you can get your arms back.

And yes to the lullaby trusts safe cosleeping guidelines.