5 Week Old Who Will Only Sleep in a Swing or on My Chest

I went through the same thing. The good thing to know is that like everything it is only temporary! I would suggest getting a good sling or wrap to put him in and wear him. That way he gets the comfort he needs and you have 2 arms free to do what you need to do. Also let him sleep in the swing if that works. He is def. too young to "cry it out". He needs that love and comfort that only you can give him!!!!

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M.,

I know that you have already recieved a ton of responses to this but my first son was EXACTLY the same way. He slept in his swing 9 hours through the night from 1 1/2 months to 4 months old. My husband and I even put the swing in our bedroom. It was the only place other than on me that he would sleep, I think it was because he was all craddled and snuggled in it (it was one of those Fisher Price ones). I was concerned that he would eventually have trouble adjusting to the crib but he didn't. My Dr. said if that was where he felt safe and comfortable why not let him sleep there.

J.

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M.,

I always found that age to be nerve-wrecking as well. It seems the slightest sound or sensation can send the startle reflex reeling.

Have you tried swaddling him? I know others have used a heating pad on the bed and then moved it away so baby isn't laying on it, just so it warms the spot and the transition isn't a shocking chill.

I have also used a thick blanket so the bed is a bit more cushy. though i have always taken it away when it poses a suffocation risk.

another good tip i got with my last two.... a sound machine. my son seems to wake up at the slightest noise, but since adding his sound machine he snoozes thru a lot more than he used to.

oh, and to answer your question about letting his fuss it out... i personally think it may be a bit early to begin true sleep training, but it's definitely not going to harm him to fuss for a few minutes. in the early weeks I wuold have to let them fuss it out just to go to the bathroom or get a super quick shower. sometimes this even makes them more tired and they soothe back to sleep easier and without being picked up. maybe try letting him fuss for a minute, and then going in and laying your hand on his chest and saying 'shhhhh'.

and it could be that you're laying him down too soon after falling asleep. i learned to wait until their little arms felt limp.

Good luck! I hope i've been able to help.

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Congratulations!
My daughter now 11 months old was the same way. I'm personally not a big fan of letting her cry it out. I remember letting my daughter sleep where ever she could sleep. I bought a sling which was great it cradled her just like she is when I hold and I had my hands free. I also used a snuggling but more difficult to nurse with. She also would sleep in a swing or an infant chair. Also what helped was laying her on her tummy which I know is discouraged and I only did this during the day when I could check on her 20 times. She would actually sleep for a good hour instead of just 20 minutes when on her back. Cherish these times of just holding him he is too little to spoil and will be 11 months old before you know it.
I hope this helps.
C.

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yes he is too young, 3 months is the earliest to let them cry it out. Having him sleep in the swing is just fine, just recle the back as much as possible at his age. Don't put him to sleep holding him because the transfer to the crib will be more difficult if he gets used to falling asleep with your breathing, and smell and softness. Every couple weeks try him out in the crib and you will know when he's ready to make the transition.

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My son wouldn't sleep in his crib until he was 7 or 8 weeks old. Our lifesavers were the swing, car seat and vibrating bouncy chair. When I asked the pediatrician about if there were issues with letting him sleep in places other than his crib, he said that if I really wanted the baby in the crib, just put the car seat in there ; )

We started transitioning to the crib at nap time. Eventually as he got older, the crib became the place he slept. Don't worry too much about it - especially since you have options other than your arms.

Good luck and congrats on the new baby!

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Try the sleep positioners and swaddling. It sounds like he just likes to feel nice and snug! With the combo of those too, he should feel the same!

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