wake time for 4 week old

[angpang]

Hi all- just wondering whether others can give me an idea of average waketime for a 4 week old, or waketime for those early weeks. I seem to be missing the tired signs too easily, and it may help if I had a better idea of average waketimes as a start... Also, how do you regard waketime- the time that you put them to bed by, or the time (including settling to sleep) they're back asleep by? Does that make sense?! Thanks..
Angela

[alligirl]

Hi there!!  Congrats on your little one!

None of my boys could handle more than a diaper change and a small chat after eating.  So they would eat, I would change them, talk for a minute or two, then start winding them down by swaddling and holding them for a few minutes.  That would all be about 10 minutes max after the feed (about 40 minutes, give or take, with the feed).  With our youngest, when I hold him, I watch him very closely and when he starts dozing ,I lay him down to sleep.

All babies are different, though, so some might have more of an awake time than others.  Tracy suggested (in Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems) having an hour of awake time for a 4 week old, plus the wind down and settling time. 

You might also try having  a more low-key activity if you think overstimulation might be a problem.  My lo gets over tired really quickly if he's overstimulated, too.

HTH!