Hi Jords

My DS would only sleep in my arms for the first few weeks too. I ended up deciding I could manage this in the daytime but at night I really wanted him to sleep by himself. So I introduced a pre-bedtime routine that included a feed and relaxation bath (it's best if the bath is deep like in the laundry trough - this also helps bring up any wind) and this worked a treat. Once he had his bath I'd put him in his sleeping bag (he hated being wrapped) take him in the room, give him a big cuddle and lay him down. If he cried I'd go in and pat him and that seemed to work. If the pat didn't work I'd give him a cuddle and lay him down again.

I was also against using the dummy but I found that DS wanted to suck so I gave it to him at 3 days old. It really helped.

I've heard the hammock works really well for helping bubs settle. If I ever decide to have a second bub I'll be using one!

You sound like a very sensitive mum that is tending to her bub's needs so well. Make sure you take care of yourself in these early days too