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Original poster

Early wake from nap

5 replies

marathongirl · 14/04/2009 20:50

I have a 7 week old little boy. We are on a 3 hour feed schedule. My question is what do you do when your little one wakes up early from a nap i.e. like 1 1/2 hour before their next feed. This means he has only slept for 1 hour. Any suggestions?

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imoverhere · 14/04/2009 20:52

Is he asking for a feed? If yes, then I would feed him (I'm bf on demand though, so that's why I would do it). If not asking for a feed, then don't worry about it and stick to schedule.

imoverhere · 14/04/2009 20:53

ps - I have a 7 week old little boy too.

Original poster
marathongirl · 14/04/2009 20:57

We breastfeed too. However, he is very good at going his 3 hours give or take a few minutes. I have tried feeding him when he wakes this early but he will only nurse fro 3 to 5 minutes and then he is back a sleep. I am just trying to not set up some bad habits early on. What to do you think?

OP posts:
imoverhere · 14/04/2009 21:05

I know how you feel, my DD got into the habit of feeding to sleep and it nearly did me in, but that didn't really kick in until 4 mths or so for me.

My DS has done the same and I was really worried at first, but he doesn't do it often and manages to put himself back to sleep for the majority of the time.

Does DS usually settle himself to sleep? Could be he is thirsty?

Crazycatlady · 14/04/2009 21:15

I wouldn't worry too much. An hour is a good length of nap for a baby so small (I'm assuming he takes 3 or 4 naps a day?). When they get bigger they apparently start taking fewer, longer naps (although I'm yet to experience this with my nearly 14 week old).

If the 3 hr feeding schedule is working for you and DS then stick with it (growth spurts/illness/jabs notwithstanding). I got myself in a right pickle with feeding 'on demand', having not really understood the concept, DD got into a snacking habit which gave her tummy ache and messed around with her night sleep too. Only just getting back on track now...

However, if DS wakes from a nap clearly still needing more sleep, and is struggling to settle any other way, then feeding back to sleep on occasion with a 7 week old isn't going to create bad habits. He may just need a bit of comfort. I'd be more concerned if the ONLY way he can get to sleep at all ever is on the breast.

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