increasing awake time

[brightside]

I'm having a bit of trouble trying to keep my DS on a 4 hour routine because he can't seem to stay awake for 2 hours without becoming over tired. Its more like 1 1/2 hours. This of course, messes up the whol shedule as he is due a feed when he is also getting tired. He is 10 weeks old and I had to move him to 4 hour feeds because he was losing interest in his feeds. When is he likely to be able to stay awake a bit longer? Or how can I increase his awake time without him becoming overtired? Thanks 

[teezee]

first off just remember that it is a routine - not a schedule.  10wks is very young in my mind to be on a 4 hr routine - it may help if u adjust it to 3hrs 15 min or 3 and a half hrs.  at that age 15min is a lot of time!!!  my lo one is almost 8months and her routine changes from day to day - although similar times not identical to the day before.  i watch for cues and follow her lead...if she needs a nap after only being up an hour or so than i give it to her.  if she is happy and not showing tired signs, and is up for 3 hrs than great!!  i did have dd on a 3hr routine til 4 months and probably could have done it sooner as she wasn't feeding as well or sleeping as well, but i think at 10 wks is a little too early for a lo to be on 4hrs.  maybe i am mistaken, anyone else here - please correct me if i am wrong.  but i would go with 3 and a half hrs and see how that does, if still problems just keep tweaking until things seem 'normal'    if they ever are?!  keep us updated.

[Idahomom]

I agree 10 weeks is too early for a 4 hour routine.  I suggest you keep a detailed log for 3-4 days of your lo's awake times, cues, feeds, etc.  I did this right down to when my lo yawned.  I found out he started yawning 40 min after he woke from a nap (almost exactly every time).  I went with his cues, put him down for a nap when he was tired, fed him when he was hungry, etc.  It made a huge difference, he was so much happier and well rested.  He awoke and played in his crib instead of crying because he was still tired.  This was about a month ago and now he is 4.5 months old and I have been able to extend his naps and awake times.  He is almost on 4 hour easy.  Just this morning he got fussy about 20 min before he was "supposed" to go down for a nap, so I took him to the nursery, did the wind down routine and he was asleep within minutes, going on an hour nap right now.  I can only imagine the meltdown had I waited because the clock didn't say it was time.  Do the log...it will help.  Post one if your logs if you would like us to look at it.