3 week old won't nap late afternoon

[mariarico]

Everyday my 3 week old will not take a nap past 5pm. We feed him and keep activity time low key. His wake time is about 50 minutes. But no matter what we do he just stares wide eyes. It takes about 2-3 hours for him to finally settle for bedtime. So we feed him again.
His naps and night sleep are great but just won't nap past 5pm!!!
Any suggestions as to why!!! It drives me nuts!!!
We have tried 60 min wake time at 5pm but it didn't help!

[lolsyb1982]

5pm is often called the witching hour for newborns and when they become really fussy and unsettled. It usually disappears by the 12 week mark. In the meantime could you try wearing him in a sling perhaps? The movement might help him nod off and get that last nap in?

Sounds like he's doing very well otherwise though which is great 

[mariarico]

Today I tried putting him in the car seat since he always falls asleep in it. It took him an hour to fall asleep but he only slept for 10 minutes!!!
So my husband think we shouldn't spend the time trying so hard and just leave him awake from 5-7pm then put him down for the night.
What do you think??
Every night we try for 1-2 hours putting him down and he just stares wide eyes

[lolsyb1982]

If he's not napping and going to bed at 7 ok with decent nights I would leave him then rather than stress yourself trying for so long.
I would keep it very low key with dim lighting etc so that you're not adding to any over tiredness/stimulation and to keep him calm and not fussy.

Sounds like you've all made great progress with a routine already at such a young age. Many mums can't even begin to think about routines and are just surviving so well done you!