how to reverse the day and night sleep patterns?

[BristolRabbit]

Hi Ladies,

just wanted some advice! My 6 week old has always been pretty good at night (giving me 3 hours min between feeds).... but for the last week has decided to wake up every hour to two hours. He will sleep happily for four hours (if left undisturbed) in the day however. Also - the night feeds (which used to last 25-30 mins) are now lucky if they last 10 mins... and if he falls off the boob I cant get him back on!

How can I reverse the pattern so day sleeps are shorter and night sleeps longer? Should I stick a boob in his mouth at every opportunity in the day to make sure he gets loads of food before bedtime?

Thanks for any advice!

x

I don't have any bright ideas, but just wanted to say that I've been there. I think it's all a bit about luck for the first 6 - 8 weeks or so, and sometimes they just fall into a nocturnal phase. I really struggled with DS1 at that stage trying to keep her awake more in the day (as that's obviously the key) - if they want to sleep it's hard to stop them!

I think you can very gradually influence this with good distinctiosn between night and day (being boring and dark at night etc) - but I bet things change natuarally over the next two or three weeks, because they start waking more in the day then (well both mine have)and the brain starts to develop the bits linked to sleep and day/night from about 6 weeks, I believe.

As much day-time feeding as poss; plenty of fresh air - e.g. a walk in the late afternoon - doesn't matter if they sleep through this, just the fresh air itself is good stimulation and a good 'appetiser'; followed by an active early evening (stories, songs, waggling toys), big feed then bed. I'm sure all of the above got me more in tune and trusting of a switch from day to night.

JoJessMarr - thank you for your advice.. I am trying to make evening/night feeds boring and keep the room dark etc... and day time the opposite... but still he wakes so frequently! I am glad you think this might change soon!
KMUN, I took him for a long walk today in the glorious sunshine so fingers crossed he will be more tired tonight!

I know it is early days at 6 weeks, and I am probably lucky to be getting the sleep I am judging by some of the other posts!