Need help with ssh pat for 16wk DS

[*debs*]

DS is 16 wks and I am trying ssh pat to get him to sleep, however he goes from crying to asleep in seconds so don't get a chance to put him down sleepy. He starts fussing as soon as we go into his room and then the crying starts. I swaddle and start ssh pat. Usually have to ssh very loudly to break his crying and often need to rock/ bounce him also. Usually takes about 15 mins then he goes from crying to asleep in seconds, so he is always asleep when he goes into his cot. He'll only sleep for 30-45 mins. I sometimes can get him back to sleep if I pick him up and rock or ssh pat and get another 30-45 mins. I've just moved him to a 3.5 hr easy as he wasn't feeding well. What can I do?

[jessmum46]

Could you post your routine for us?  It sounds like he may be OT going down so a routine tweak may help.  Also it may be worth actually doing the shh pat in the cot rather than in your arms if he tends to go from screaming to sleeping just so he gets used to falling asleep in there

[*debs*]

It's hard to post his routine as he is short napping 35-45 mins. He is 16 wks & I feed every 3.5 hrs. His first awake time is 2 hrs. If I can't get him back to sleep when he wakes after 35-45 mins his next awake time is 1.5 hrs. If I manage to get him back to sleep for another 35 mins I keep his awake time at 2hrs. Very rarely will he take a catnap around 5pm which makes him very tired by bedtime which is usually around 7pm when he falls asleep whilst feeding. We also get lots of night wakings.

[jessmum46]

It may be his A times are just a touch too long, 2h is the upper end for four months and many LOs like a slightly shorter first A.  Have you tried pulling back 10-15 mins?