How many naps should my 7 week old have during the day, and about how long each time?
We have a pretty good night-time routine for Peter, but no real day-time routine. He used to just sleep whenever he wanted during the day but now that he is more 'awake', he resists sleep and I think he really needs our help to know when is nap time. I am just after some guidance about when and how long his naps would be appropriate.
Also, sometimes when we put him down during the day, he sleeps for AGES, like 3 hours- is this too long? Should I wake him up?
Most bubs at this age are only awake for about 1 1/2-2hrs between feeds, etc... and yep, I'd say that 3hr sleeps in the day for a new born is very normal. They will sleep most of the day away (most bubs anyway!) and only be really alert for 'play' for minimal time.
3 hours is pretty normal I think...Chalrotte used to go for 5-6 hours if we let her sometimes! lol wwaaaay too long. So I certainly wouldnt be waking him. The better they sleep during the day, generally the better the night sleep.
At 7 weeks, you may find that he is awake more, but he will still only be able to handle so much, iykwim. He still has a very short attention span, and will get irritable pretty quick - like if you put him on the floor on his tummy and things.
Are you demand feeding him? More than likely he will drift off when he is ready after a feed, or on the boob. I wouldnt be too concerned about a routine yet . But you could help him by playing a certain lullaby when you put him down. Or you could try getting a carrier or sling for him so he can go to sleep easier but you can still get things done
Try not to stress too much you are doing an awesome job!!
He will probably have a growth spurt soon adn it will al change again!! lol
Good luck!
AmberJ I have a six week old so I'm not sure what I'm doing is 'right', but I loosely follow a feed/play/sleep routine.
During the day I feed DD about every three hours, after her feed I keep her up for play time for about 1 -1 1/2 hrs, then about an hour before her next feed I put her down for a sleep. She will only sleep for a maximum of an hour at a time during the day (if I'm lucky!), if you're DS tends to sleep longer you could put him down 1 1/2 hrs before his next feed.
As far as waking him I don't know the correct answer, my MCHN said not to wake your bub for feeds unless they're not putting on enough weight and you need to feed more often. Otherwise bub will wake when he is hungry, but it's up to you. I can't see a prob if he's sleeping okay at night...
DD used to sleep for 3 hours and be awake for one hour at that age. Feeds were still taking a while at that stage so she really didn't have much 'play time' as such.
Hi my ds is 8 weeks and he usually sleeps for around 2 to 2 1/2hrs in morning and same in the afternoon sometimes a bit longer. But in saying that some days are different and he will have 2 x 1hr sleeps in the morning and then same in the afternoon. I never wake him if he sleeps longer as kristin said they will wake if hungry as long as peter is putting on weight and sleeping for you at night. Yesterday he slept for nearly 4 hours in afternoon but didnt have more than an hour in the morning and he still slept well last night. But like you i am not sure if they should have a routine. Good luck.
Registered User
Daytime naps for a 7 week old
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks