Addicted to the Bjorn

Hi R.-
My baby was the same way... he didn't lay down for naps until he was 4+ months old. I liked the Bjorn, but an easier one for me was a snug but stretchy sling.... I could ease him out off of me (sometimes) and he would sleep laying down but still snuggled in the sling. Since he was still so little then, it was easy for me (with the sling) to do what I needed to do- housework etc. I think that they are so used to being in the belly that they need extra snuggling at first... and it really is good for them to be so close so much... increases their confidence later. Enjoy the snuggling now- it doesn't last long.
My mom sent me this poem when I was tired of holding my baby all day...
"Hush cobwebs, dust go to sleep. I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep"

My daughter used to nap wonderfully in both the swing and bouncy seat (it vibrated to soothe her)... perhaps try both of those. If it doesn't work right away, keep at it. Sometimes it's just the newness.

Hi R.,

Have you tried using any other type of baby carrier that might be a little easier to get him out of? I've seen people use bjorn carriers and how difficult it seems to get a baby in and out so I can imagine how easy it would be for a baby to wake up trying to get him out. I have a maya wrap, and although that is a different type of carrier, it's much easier to get a baby in and out of so it might be easier to just loosen a ring and lay him down without too much movement. I actually just ordered a babyhawk (www.babyhawk.com) and it's more like the bjorn in that the baby's legs and arms stick out and it can be worn on the front (but you can also wear it on the back or hip) in the same way. With the babyhawk though, you just untie it and the baby is free. The only other advice I can think of would be to hold him as if he were in the carrier until he falls asleep and then lean over the crib and don't lose contact with him until he is completely supported by the mattress.
Good luck!

10 weeks is still so young! Have you read The Happiest Baby on the Block? He talks about the 4th trimester, basicly it's just out of the womb but the baby still has the same needs as he had 10 wks ago. Your son is just acting like a baby. He is way too young for CIO. I wouldn't advocate CIO for anyone at any age as it's very stressful for them and teaches your baby you won't respond to his communication, but even the die hard baby trainers wouldn't recommend it for a completely helpless newborn.

I second the recommendation to try other types of slings, but some babies don't like them maybe you have one of those. I never used our Bjorn as it was too complicated for me. Have you tried a ring sling or pouch sling? I use a babyhawk mei tei now and have for several months. It may feel more like the Bjorn to him but may be easier to get him out of asleep.

Also, putting them down in the empty is bound to feel very isolating to them. Perhaps a rolled up blanket along the baby if you can ease him down? It's difficult. Mine was the same way. I watched a lot of TV in those days.

I don't know when my baby started cooperating with being put down but she slept on me (even at night) forever-well it seemed like it was forever at the time. Now, suddenly she is 17 months old. I know it can be frustrating but they are only that young and cuddly for a really short time. Babies are individuals and even if everyone you know claims to put their babies down and they happily drift off to sleep, you may have one that won't go for that plan.

Sorry if this isn't helpful. I found it helpful just to stop listening to others tell me what they should be doing and follow my instincts and at that age that meant naptime on mama.