Awake Advice

It's not uncommon for babies at this age to need a lot of physical touch. Imagine they just came from the comforts of their mothers womb and are now in a hugely different environment. i would recommend getting a sling (kangaroo corner) or some kind of carrier ( ergo carrier is very good), this allows the baby to be comfortably snug and for you to have your hands free to do things around the house, and now that it's getting warmer take walks outside. Good luck

Maybe you should try to swaddle her when you put her in the bouncy or swing. Also maybe roll up blankets and put them around her. Try it for maybe 20-30 minutes at a time so she will get used to it. Try it every day atleast once or twice a day. I realize she is young but the earlier she can get acclimated, the better. My sister has an 18 month old who still needs to be held in order to take a nap! I used the swaddle and the blankets for my twins and they loved the swings. Good Luck!

As it starts to get warmer, get that stroller out. That always helped with my sanity. My first daughter would cry a lot. As soon as she hit the fresh air. Silence. That helped with the tired arm and back. Maybe put her in the swing or chair with one of your shirts on her legs. Then she could smell you and know you are close. Oh, also do you swaddle her when you put her in there? That sometimes helps too. Good luck I know these first weeks are tough and precious all at the same time.

When my DD was a few weeks old, she was held almost constantly. At 6 months, she's very content to play by herself for short periods in her swing, exersaucer, or playmat. It was a pretty gradual transition.

Have you thought about wearing your baby? It keeps the little one close, but allows you to have your hands free and to easily move about. I wore Taylor in a Moby wrap extensively when she was tiny. We've recently upgraded to a mei tai, but I do know many people who are using the mei tais with small babies. There are many slings, wraps, puches, and carriers out there to look at.

Other than that, the only advice I have is to sit back, put your feet up, and cuddle the heck out of the little one. They're only small and dependent on us for a short time. In 6 months or a year, you'll be wishing for a cuddle like you get now. I know I am already.

S.

Both of my girls loved to be held. With my second I HAD to find a sling & figure it out. It was such a huge help & I wish I had had it w/ my oldest. I had one of those ones that was really long & you had to do the long wrap-around. That worked but then I decided to make a sling. I loved my sling & it was such help.

My oldest liked the swing a bit & the bouncy seat in short installments. The younger one didn't get into either of those until she was at least 6 mos old.

Maybe she likes being held tight. Have you tried swaddling? Or maybe laying her in a boppy?