My almost 6 wk old WILL NOT stay awake!

[jonathansmom]

My almost 6 wk old will not stay awake during the day....he sleeps ok at night but according to Gina Ford book he is supposed to sleep no more then 4-5 hours during the day and as of the time I am writing this message (3:45 pm) he has already slept 4 hours and I can't wake him....he feeds and then heads back off to la la land. I live in the carribbean and we have even gone as far as putting him in the pool to wake him and today....he woke up initially and then just fell back asleep....IN THE POOL! (and it's not warm....like 75 maybe)
Is it ok for me to let him sleep or is there something I can do to keep him awake....I've tried everything!

if he's sleeping ok at night why worry? six weeks is still very young. from what i remember the reason gf emphasises structured naps in the day is to promote good sleeping at night, so if your ds is sleeping ok at night, then he is doing brilliantly for a six week old. it is fine for you to let him sleep.

funnily enough, i never had any problem waking my ds - i'd start to make a phone call, sit down to read a magazine, make a cup of tea and sure enough he'd wake up instantly...

Let him sleep! My DS was a big sleeper in the early days and now at 7 months still sleeps for 4 hours during the day and 12 straight hours through the night!

Some babies obviously like their sleep like some adults. So long as he's feeding and is healthy I shouldn't worry.

As for Gina Ford... if you feel your son is thriving then ignore her.

Just make sure you're catching up on your sleep and don't worry. Go for a swim and enjoy the heat - it's freezing in England.

I too would be tempted to let Jonathan sleep as and when he wants at this stage. I think there've been quite a few posts along these lines before and many people found that they were able to pick up the routine later on or just follow it more loosely with no ill effects. It may even be that Jonathan will fall into his own routine and it may be worth letting him if it is not a nightmarish one! Good luck. Is it as lovely being a mum in the carribean as it sounds?

I know a couple who were real GF fans until 2nd baby arrived -- and would not stay awake to follow GF's hours. They switched to Tracey Hogg (author of The Baby Whisperer). Maybe you could try The Baby Whisperer?

All I can say is ... you lucky lucky thing! I used GF in order to get my baby to sleep but if he had been a good sleeper in those early days I wouldn't have needed GF like I did!!!!
Enjoy ...... !!!!