Baby will only sleep on us and it's getting worse

[BenjiCat]

Hoping for advice for my little one of eight weeks. She has only liked napping and sleeping on us since being born. We thought she had reflux, but that does seem to have improved over the last few weeks, so it could've been a growth spurt.

We've managed to cope with having her daytime naps in the sling (great for keeping my hands free) or in a moving car seat etc. And by feeding to sleep at night (making sure she's FAST asleep before putting down in a side sleeper crib). Although broken sleeps/feeds, we were managing to get through the night (mostly).

However, something has changed and now she will not go down at night either, instantly waking up as soon as she is put down. I'm going through the cycle of five S's (as well as feeding and checking nappies etc) and getting nowhere. Last night was another night from 1-6am of no sleep . It's leading to an tired and unhappy baby and mother!!

Help!

Don't panic. I've just looked it up for you on the wonder weeks and you've hit leap two! It will end. Baby needs you more the next week or so but will come out with more skills in movement and coordination.

Doe she have a dummy, may be worth a try.

Gosh I really hope so @Flittingaboutagain. I have the wonder weeks app and it's saying her leap isn't until next week. I really hope it's wrong and the leap won't combine with this!!

We are trying a dummy yes, but she doesn't really take it for long enough.

Lots of friends with this problem found the baby whisperer helpful for building a routine.

I am in the exact same stage with DC2! No answers but some solidarity. I do suspect silent reflux is the issue here though so have booked a GP apt. Hope it passes for us both soon

If you haven’t already, look up the fourth trimester. It’s so tough but what you describe is completely normal, and it will get easier. Your baby is still very tiny. Have you looked into safe cot sleeping?

Have you tried the big fat cherry dummies? Mine never took the flat type.

Solidarity with you @Samanabanana! I'm due a check with the health visitor, so going to query about it for advice.

Hi op, I know it’s not for everyone but have you looked in to cosleeping? It’s the only way I could put my daughter down to sleep as she needed to know I was there.

There are safe ways to cosleep and it was a lifesaver for me. I was starting to fall asleep while holding her, which is so dangerous.

Look up the ‘safe sleep 7’ for some ideas of how to make a safe sleep space. My health visitor was very supportive of it too.

Safely bed share - look up the sleep safe 7. I am a fully functioning human again.

Your baby is completely normal - Agree with pp about looking up the fourth trimester. Your baby wants to be close to you and frequent wakes are normal.

@BenjiCat we have been prescribed infant gaviscon to try so I'll see whether that makes a difference! Hope your chat with the HV goes well

She’s so little, she just wants to be with her parents for safety and security. It does get better as they get older (9 months in my case). If suggest co sleeping. I got a foot monitor for extra peace of mind and tried to remain as safe as possible.

Good luck. Doesn’t go on forever.

I agree with the suggestion of cosleeping. Struggled with my first for the same reasons; currently cosleeping with my second and it's a completely different experience (both EBF). There's some useful guidance via lullaby trust website. Hope it gets better for you soon; sleep deprivation is tough.x

@BenjiCat

Gosh I really hope so *@Flittingaboutagain*. I have the wonder weeks app and it's saying her leap isn't until next week. I really hope it's wrong and the leap won't combine with this!!

Babies don’t know about apps - they just do their own thing! This time will pass eventually.

We used a sleepyhead, (which isn't recommend for night time any more but you can get one called a purflo which can be used overnight) and then used one of those microwaveable wheat bags to warm it up. I fed the baby to sleep, waited ages then really slowly and carefully tried to slide him sideways in. The heating up orlf the mattress stopped him noticing he was being put down. Give that a go 🤣

My little boy is 11 weeks so I’m a little further down this path. Co sleeping has worked for us and he sleeps great as long as he’s touching me 😂. For those who have done this, how do we move on from co sleeping and towards a cot?

I remember this so well! DS slept really well, as long as he was on someone. We had some success with swaddling, he didn't seem to like his arms being loose.

That was 12 years ago. He sleeps fine on his own now

Yes I was looking into co sleeping, but part of me feels really nervous about it and my other half also isn't sure for safety (probably also because he would be kicked out of the bed ).

Yes it's not a perfect science so my baby is always about a week later than the app.