Our 12 week old son is an absolute delight, but with a very active 2.5 year old son also in the house, I am exhausted by his very irregular night time sleeping habits.
I know that sleep training should not be attempted prior to 4 months, and I do not intend to start before 4 months, but I just wanted to get as much info as possible beforehand in order to have a plan of action in place.
Currently my son is sleeping in a crib in his own room, but he has gone from sleeping 4-5 hour stretches when he was still in the bassinet in our room, to sleeping only 1-3 hour stretches in the crib. I would not like to do a cold turkey Cry It Out approach, but do not mind attempting Ferberizing him.
Any ideas on how to begin the process (again, when the time is right, not now at 12 wks) ?
Another great book is On Becoming Babywise. Shorter and I think it's similar (I waited for the other from the library for 8 months!).
It saved me with twins.
Sounds to me he is like my second child, likes being in tighter quarters, ie:bassinet. I bought one of those wedges from babies r us and it worked like a charm for us. I think that my daughter just liked the feeling of being held. Try the wedge it is worth the shot.
I think the reason why he was sleeping longer in the bassinet was because he could sense that you were close and thus felt comfortable enough to sleep. Now that he is in his own room he can't smell you. Is it possible to move his crib to your room while he is still little? It might help him to learn how to sleep in it better, knowing that you are close by. Dr. Sears has a great book on infant sleep research.
Good luck!
There are those times when they go through growth spurts, so are hungry a little more often. But I would also buy a sound machine. I LOVE mine for my daughter. The "white noise" distraction really helps sooth them. You don't need an expensive one, just one that works. I use one myself too. Also, I swaddled my daughter until she wiggled her way out. So, it's all about comfort and security. Good luck.
If you're not too sleep-deprived, you may wish to check out "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" by Dr. Marc Weissbluth and be on the lookout for his 'gradual extinction' techniques which seem to be what you are wanting to do.
If, however, you want a 'Cliff Notes' version of what to do...definitely send me a PM and I'll be happy to help.
We implemented the techniques at 6 months. The transition took 3 days and was wonderful for everyone involved, but mostly my son who turned into a super-crabby cranky kid into a happy, well-rested joy!
I'll bet he's just going through a growth spurt, and needs to feed more often. He's too little to deny feedings (I'm sure you can tell when he's looking to eat, and when he's just awake).
I just read a posting from a mom of a 12 month old who still nurses every 2 hours. You are a long way from that, so just give it a little time, and he'll settle in. You already know that he knows how to sleep a long time.
Definitely look into books by Dr. William Sears. He is a ped. and had 7 kids, I believe.
Babies can be encouraged by what we do, but really can't adhere to our schedules. They experience too much hunger, growth, and fears to sleep when and how we would like them to. I'm wondering if I will ever sleep well again...
Are you nursing your newborn? That should help calm him.
Amy
try using the Baby Whisperer's EASY method for a schedule, and the Happiest Baby on the Block 5 s's method. Those two combined will make cio not be a needed thing (at that age)
EASY - when the baby wakes up it Eats. After you feed it, then it has Activity - bouncy seat, tummy time, sitting up and playing with toys, swing, exersaucer, etc. When the baby gets fussy check the B's - boredom, butt or burp. If it's none of those then off to Sleep. Don't wait for the baby to do more than get the tiniest bit fussy, then see what is causing the fusses - if it's just that they needed their diaper change do that, but if it's not the activity is boring, the butt is dirty or they have to burp, then put them down. This may happen after as short as 45 minutes, don't freak, it really means they are tired.
Now, to get them to sleep use the 5 s's. Swaddle the baby, hold the baby on their side and sway as they suck on something (paci, your knuckle or their finger/thumb) and make a shush noise. This will calm your baby. When the baby is calm, but not asleep yet, keeping them swaddled lay them in the bed. I like to pat them instead of sway after a minute or two cause you can still pat after they are put down but you can't sway, so pat the baby and continue patting gradually decreasing it as you put them in the bed. Also continue the shushing as you put them down, again gradually getting quieter.
If you do these two you will find a well rested, easily managed baby in no time.
