Question re:starting EASY and birth weight

[raynesmummy]

Hi everyone,

I have all of Tracey's books and am eager to start my wee boy on EASY, I *think* he's a touchy spirited type but he's only 5 weeks old so maybe it's a bit soon to tell?

Anyways I see from the books that the routines generally depend on the birth weight of the baby - Rayne was 6lbs 13 oz when born and had a touch of jaundice now he's over 9lbs and nothing is wrong with him thankfully.

My question is do I start him on a 2 1/2hr easy routine or the 3hr one? Also I've been sorta following the routine for a few days now not pushing it just trying to give him a predictable sequence of events and he was great the first few days and then really cranky the next few - is this normal when putting babies on easy?

I'd be really appreciative of any advice on how to guide him into the easy system, and also last thing honest - cluster feeds - do I wake him up to feed him or should he be kept awake - like if I feed him at 6 then give him his bath that would be finished and he'd be ready for bed by 7-7:30 - do I keep him up until 8 to feed him again or put him in bed then wake him up to feed? Sorry I don't think I've quite understood the idea!

Thanks in advance!

Kat - 1st time mummy to Rayne.

[Grace's Mom]

First of all, Congratulations on your new arrival! 

2.5-3 hour EASY: What has he been normally wanting?  Has he been hungry at the 2.5 hour mark or is he able to go to 3?  If he goes until the 3 hour mark than I would start with that.  Of course if he gets hungry a bit early on any occasion feel free to feed him. It is most important to follow their cues while helping them keep their routine in sequence (as much as possible) Eat, Activity, Sleep. 

For the cluster feed I would feed him at 6pm, do the bath, PJ's, etc. and the right before bed feed again.  Then you can do the dream feed at 10pm!  This should hopefully give the two of you a few hours of rest before he needs a feed later on. 

When starting new things, like routines, etc. it is normal for them to need some time to adjust to it.  Just make sure you are putting him down for a nap before getting overtired and with a nice wind down time and nap routine, etc.

You are doing a wonderful job!