My 3 Month Old Is Sleeping Constantly

This is real normal. Sometimes they just get worn out and need a day or two to sleep. He is probably cranky because he is tired. Enjoy the peace and quiet. In a day or two he will be up and ready to play again.

There is a very wide range in what is considered a "normal" amount of sleep for a baby. In my experience (I have a 5 & 2 yr old) a change in typical behavior like what you are describing means the child is not feeling well, fever or not. It is probably nothing to worry about, but with a baby that young it is better to be safe than sorry. If it were my child and the unusual behavior lasted more than 48 to 72 hours (assuming he has no other symptoms and is still eating well and having wet/poopy diapers) I would call the doctor/nurse to see if they would advise bringing him in for a visit. The doctors I have had for my kids (except for one) have been very reassuring and alway listened when I had a concern. With his change in behavior he is trying to tell you something, and it's so h*** o* us parents when we dont know what they are saying. Try not to worry (I know, easier said than done) and trust your instincts. If you feel there is something wrong act on it. You will either get the peace of mind of finding out it is nothing or you will catch a small problem before it becomes a large problem, and maybe help your baby to be more comfortable while he is awake.

Good luck! One more very important thought, remember to take care of you too! You are no good to your baby if you wear yourself out.

Hi C., First count yourself lucky if your baby sleeps through the night! I remember how scared I was when my daughter was born, she slept like that, I was always checking to make sure she was breathing! If he has become suddenly cranky he may have gas, rowing the legs helps. There are a lot of flu's out there this year, my daughter just had a baby boy 1-31-08 and we are trying real hard to keep sick people away from him, but he's so darn cute!! Watch for signs of sickness, otherwise relax, and enjoy; we spend the first 2 years teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 16 telling them to sit down and shut up!!LOL Good luck, R.

I would call your doctor's office and talk with the nurse on hand. They are usually so helpful and kind with new moms, and it will certainly put your mind to ease. :)

It is normal for your baby to sleep 16-17 hours a day (total combined sleep) right now. My son did the same thing, but some days he just was a little more tired- just like us.

I just saw the other responses about growth spurts and I remembered that happened with us too.

Eventually your baby's natural schedule will phase out one of those naps during the day and then he will sleep through the night.

If I were you, I would have the Tylenol on hand. ;-) It sounds like your baby is coming down with a cold or a flu...it just hasn't hit yet.

Wow I have a 3 month old and I am so jelous that he sleeps so well. If he is not acting normal by Sunday I would call the Dr. Or better yet, call your Dr today and maybe they can relieve your fears a little.

C.,

I have a 13 month old and remember when she was younger she would experience days where she would sleep more. I researched this and found that it could be a result of a growth spurt. Often they will sleep more a few days after or before a growth spurt. Its important that they get their sleep during this time to aid in their development. If she is eating fine and seems normal when she is awake then I am sure all is well. However, its always good to check with the Dr. if your instinct tells you otherwise.
Good Luck!
A.

Hello I am a working 33yr old mom who has a 14 month old boy. At 3mths he would also have days when he would sleep most of the day. The pediatrician assured me that this was normal especially if he is going through a growing period.

As a first time mom, I worried about the same things with my son, who is now 6 months old..From what I have learned, at 1 month, 3 month, 6 months and so on, babies go through a growth spurt..They will either sleep alot or eat alot but it just means they are growing..Children grow more when they are sleeping..I would not worry about it unless he is lathargic even when awake or if he doesn't eat when it is offered..It sounds like he is just resting his eyes to grow a few more inches..God Bless!!

So, did he sleep last night? Little babies do change their sleep schedules. They sleep A LOT. If he shows no signs of illness, relax and enjoy the quiet. Let him sleep as much as he needs. You want him to be used to responding to his body's sleep cues and setting into a natural napping/sleeping pattern. You'll see him more as he gets older.

Don't wake a sleeping baby! :)

When babies go thru a growth spurt, they tend to sleep more. Sounds like his body clock is out of whack for today. With regards to his constant crying, is he urinating okay? has he had a bowel movement yesterday and today? Is he eating/nursing alright? If you're nursing, did you eat anything out of the norm yesterday? spicy, something that would cause you gas? When he starts crying is he consolable? Swaddle him and rock him. Try a hot water bottle (not hot, just warm) and place that on his stomach. If he doesn't sleep through night tonight, it's just one evening. There will be days that things don't go to plan. This will just be one of many nights in his life that you will be up late because he's not sleeping. (I have a 17 yr old going to his junior prom this evening.) If the crying and lack of sleep persist beyond 3 days, see your doctor.

This actually sounds quite like my three month old. I think ours is getting ready to teethe which is why she's been "witchy". That's what our three year old did too. Unless he's got a fever, diarrhea (not just a few loose stools), or is throwing up repeatedly, I'd say you're fine! Just my experience though.

C.,
I have found that when babies and toddlers go through a big growth spurt, they sleep a lot more. Could just be as simple as that. Sit back and enjoy or better yet, catch up on your sleep. If it goes on for too long then give the advice nurse at your ped a call. I usually err on the side of everything is going to be fine rather than jump to calling a specialist tho.
L.

I would certainly talk to your doctor to be sure but it does sound like a growth spurt. Even teenagers sleep alot during a growth spurt! Do call your doctor to be sure!!!
S.

Sounds like a growth spurt...I remember for a short time my Son slept for about 10 hours at night, then he went back to normal.
I asked my doctor, she said that sleeping patterns change as babies change..growing, teething, ect.
Just keep track of eating, sleeping, and potty patterns. If they stay abnormal, talk with the doctor!
Good Luck!

It might be a growth spurt or something, but it is good to err on the careful side. Can you call the on-call nurse for your doctor and ask?

If he needs to sleep, let him sleep. My son often slept for 5 hours at a time during the day, so I figure he must have needed to. They grow when they are sleeping. It didn't interfere with night sleeping as I recall.

It could be a growth spurt, but I'd call your doctor and just let them know. They may say the same thing or they may want to see him.

Hello C. -

My baby does the same thing every now and then. I was informed that she was just going through a growth spurt. Prime example, yesterday and today she has slept all day except for 3-4 hours total in a 24 hour day. So, yes... sometimes I wonder if everything is ok. If others have shared some good advice with you, will you please pass that on to me. :))) Thank you

could be anything. could be coming down with a sickness, could be going through a growth spurt etc. etc.