You poor thing, I remember how stressed out I got with DS1. He would only sleep during the day if I held him, otherwise he would just scream and scream in his cot. He'd wake up after 10 minutes screaming and I was tearing my hair out.
I second Amber's suggestion of a baby hammock, we bought one when DS1 was 10 weeks old and it CHANGED our lives! The first time I put him in it he slept for 2 hours. I could bounce him in it when he was unsettled or needed help going off to sleep.
I also took him to a paediatric chiropractor, it turns out he had a dislocated shoulder from birth, no wonder he was so unsettled! I highly recommend trying a chiro if you are at your wits end, they have huge success with turning unsettled babies into happy babies. After we got DS's shoulder fixed he was a much happier baby.
I hope you find something that works for you soon .
both my boys would NEVER sleep on their own during the day as little babies. It was frustrating sometimes, but I just got used to the fact that they needed to be on me to sleep. SO a sling was my lifesaver!! I LOVE the hugabub for littlies and ergo for when they are a little bigger. At least that way baby got some sleep and i had my hands free to do whatever stuff i needed/wanted to do.
I know it's hard, but it won't last forever, even if it seems like it right now.
It sounds like your Jack is what they call a "catnapper". It is SUCH hard work, you never get a break - even to do the basics like eating.
My daughter did the same - she is now 4 and a half months old and she has gradually increased those 20 minute sleeps to about 3x 40 minute ones(thankfully!!!!).
My advise would be to not fight it and try to 'make' him sleep. Wearing him in a sling is a good idea. You might have to hold him while he sleeps for a while. Alternatively if you are into co-sleeping lie down with him in your bed and see if he'll have a longer nap with you.
I also found getting out of the house to be important - it's impossible to entertain a baby at home all day when they are awake for nearly all of it. Put him in the pram and get out of that house!
I got a lot out of reading Pinky McKays book Sleeping like a baby.
Massive for you. It is so hard when they do this as you don't ever seem to get a break. I don't really have any suggestions for you as my DS has only ever napped for 20 - 40 mins at a time through the day. The only way he would sleep for longer is if I held him while I watched tv or slept with him. At first it stressed me & really got to me but now I just accept that is the way it is & sleep at least once a day with him. I also have an ergo & he will have at least one sleep in that too. Getting out of the house at least once a week will save your sanity as well.
Hope you find something that helps.
You poor thing, I remember how stressed out I got with DS1. He would only sleep during the day if I held him, otherwise he would just scream and scream in his cot. He'd wake up after 10 minutes screaming and I was tearing my hair out.
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks