A(nother) few Qs for you sleep experts!
WHY OH WHY does my now 11wk old baby fall asleep, exhausted during the day then wake without fail sometime between 5 and 30 mins later? I can stretch him to 45 if he's in the bouncy chair/sling. Either way I have to literally sit with him to keep him asleep as he never gets beyone the light sleep phase during the day. His startle is SO strong now - thought it was meant to wear off? He's a 15lb bruiser and he hates swaddling so he just thrashes any wrapping off. I have to hold him down instead. He's driving me bonkers, I have just spent an entire hour with him and he's had a total of 15 mins sleep in 2 blocks. He just keeps waking with a start and then screeching. As I type he's propped on my shoulder headbutting me, pulling at his face and punching me - knackered bu8t won't sleep. I know he'll be a nightmare tonight, probably another 4 hour screamathon before he settles, because he's overtired. It's frustrating me to the point I lose all patience with him which is no help to either of us obviously.
Also, the HV has suggested gradual retreat cos right now he has to be fed to sleep in the same position he's going to be sleeping in (wakes when he's moved). It sounds nice and gentle but no idea where to start as soon as he goes into the cot he starts screaming. Do I just sit with my hand on his chest while he screams then? Don't like it much if so, he gets himself hysterical and I get myself upset as a result and basically it's a recipe for failure.