6 week old and day sleep

[SarahDay1990]

Hi all my LO is 6 weeks old and whilst I know she is still so small - she will only sleep if being held. I know there are so many posts like this and I know so many will say to soak it up and enjoy the cuddles - but it’s really not practical when I have a toddler at home.
I have a sling which is helpful but it would be nice if she would sleep in her bassinet for at least one nap. I’ve tried the first nap of the day as I read somewhere that it’s the easiest nap to get them down for but she literally wakes screaming after 5 mins. I’ve tried to settle her without holding her - shushing, patting etc but she just cries….anyone had any success? I know she is young and I might be expecting too much but the sling all day is back breaking and it’s so hard with a toddler around having a baby in arms all the time!

My first baby slept no bother wherever you put her, but my 2nd, no way. He did every nap in the sling, car or buggy until he was 5 months. Sorry that's probably not what you wanted to hear but some babies just won't.

Some people may say to put them in a pitch dark room, white noise etc but I didn't feel comfortable doing that while still young, mine was nearly 5 months before I started putting him down for his naps in his bedside cot but I still went and checked on him every 5 mins, and wasn't very relaxed, and he only ever slept 30 mins on his own.

Have you tried swaddling her? Or will she sleep in the buggy (and stay asleep in the hallway when you return?)

Yes we swaddle which helps for night sleep! Doesn’t make a difference during the day…if she falls asleep in the pram the moment it stops moving she will wake within 5 mins…

My baby is very similar. She doesnt sleep in the daytime only if being held. I really dont mind as she sleeps through the whole night (9-12 hours) so I prefer this way. But I understand with a toddler it must be very difficult.
Have you tried bouncy chair? My baby sometimes falls asleep there (maybe 30-45 min; not much but its helps). I can also carry it around the house while I`m cooking, doing laundry etc. as she loves looking around from it.

I'm sat holding my 9 week old as she naps. I can put her under the play mat for decent stretches to entertain herself for a good Hal hour but no, if I want her to nap I have to hold her.

My son was like this would need movement to settle. We got him out of the habit by picking him up from the bassinet and helping him settle a little and putting him down drowsy but not asleep. It was quite relentless but it only took a day or so for him to learn. Good luck!