Eat, Activity and then no sleep ? HELP!! (newborn)

[Callysmum]

We're trying to get our newborn, 4 day old on an EASY pattern.  But she is often awake during the day for 3 hour stretches without naps, and then naps for 3 hours at a time.  I'm worried that she isn't getting enough sleep.  My husband and I watch carefully for sleep cues and don't notice any.

Do you put your babes to bed before sleep cues?  Any ideas?

A new and tired mom

[skibbit]

you poor thing! im so sorry, you must be so exhausted!

heres my take on it... you mustnt let your baby sleep longer than 2 hours in the day. wake him/her up and then feed him/her and change his/her diaper and then if you see any sign what so ever, put him/her to sleep immediatly. some babys dont need as much sleep as others. my baby was the total opposite of yours. i still never see him awake more than like 45 min without a sleep sign. hes 8.5 mo old now. but even if you dont see a sleep sign, your lo needs very much sleep and its your duty to teach him/her how to sleep. your lo is only 4 days old at the moment and once you get to know your lo you will learn his/her sleepy signs and you will get used to it. he/she may never be the sleepy type. sounds like you have a bundle on your hands! it will be okay though. good luck!! and congradulations!

[EmMUK74]

wow I have never heard anyone else have a baby like that except me.  Rachel was exactly like that for the first 4 weeks, she would sleep well at night (going back after feeds fine) but would want to be awake most of the day.  I tried everything I could think of and none of it worked in that first month and I just settled into her happy routine of being awake for long periods and then asleep for long periods.  then at a month everything changed and she was much more tired and so then I got the EASY to work for her although daytime sleep has never been a big thing for her. 

my take - if you are happy and she is happy then play it by ear for another few weeks and then try and get her more formally into a routine for you both.  if your LO is anything like Rachel then a routine will be sorted by 6 weeks and you will be having full nights sleep by 12 weeks

good luck, hope that helps

[Callysmum]

Thanks

[Southernbelle]

Hi, I totally remember how it was to have a four day old.  Not much fun at that stage.  Honestly, my babies at that age could not stay awak for longer than about 30-45 mins.  She may just be a baby that doesn't have very clear sleep signals, but three hours is probably making her overtired and then she wants to sleep a long time and miss a feed.  I would just try to swaddle her and put her down by about 40 mins until you learn how long she can stay up at this age.  If she is screaming and fighting sleep, try to adjust the time five minutes earlier or later until you get it good for her.  At 7 months my DD can only just now manage three hours of A time and by fours months she could just about make 1.45.  I think that it is hard for us to imagine that they need so much sleep, but their little brains develop while they sleep so they need tons.  I hope that helps and you can figure your lo out.  Once you have her sleeping between every feeding you will have time to rest yourself.  My los didn't do great on EASY until about 6 weeks....just so that you know it takes time to get them on a routine.  Hang int here!!!

[rebecaq]

I agree with Gray&Ella'smommy and with Em, I would go through the motions of EASY to get her accostumed to it, and she may surprise you and fall asleep.  When ds was first born I use to watch him like a hawk and think he didn;t give me any sleep cues either.  Until I read in Tracy's book that some babies (especially spirited ones) open their eyes real wide and get more energetic when tired. Boy!!! Did that fit more the picture!!

So I recommend you do EASY, focusing especially on the 4S wind-down and try to get her to nap more regularly and to feed regurlarly. 

Remember she's still not sure where she is and what's going on, she's only 4 days old, bless her heart, and it's up to us mommies to show them when and how to sleep and eat.    Plus you need to put your feet up while she's napping!

Congratulations on your baby girl!

- Beca