Nap Sleep Schedule Is Off

Updated on March 12, 2010
A.R. asks from Graham, WA
10 answers

My son is having a growth spurt (6wks). After a bottle we have our active time per the EASY program. I put him down when he is yawning and tired with no real trouble for him to fall asleep. Now it seems that he wakes an hour before the next feeding. He isn't hungry by any means (I have checked and listened for distinct cries) but he just is awake yet still acts fussy like he is tired. Has anyone else encountered this problem?
Please no advice on listening to his biorythms bc I believe babies need a stable schedule to help set their rythms. Kids are trainable not the other way around.

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S.W.

answers from Seattle on

I have followed an (EASY type) schedule with my kids too. The thought process of putting them down earlier so they sleep longer never worked for me. I know you say he's tired when you put him down but maybe extend his awake time a little... like just by 15 minutes or so.

The other thing... do you swaddle him? He may be waking himself up accidentally. At around six weeks a lot changes for them so really it could be a lot of things. But it may not get better very quick especially since we'll be changing the clocks this weekend.

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J.P.

answers from Boise on

If you know that this a a growth spurt, I would chalk it up to that. They get off schedule every once in a while. You have two options. The first is just to continue with the schedule and he will get back to it, or if you think is he waking up tired, then put him down 15 minutes early. My son slept a lot more during growth spurts. I know, counterintuitive, but it might help. When my son got off of schedule, sometimes we would really mess it up one day (something going on, not just to mess with him), and the next day, right back to normal. I did schedules too, and believe in them, it will get better.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.R.

answers from Spokane on

yes, kids are trainable, and yes, a schedule is good for his body - just don't forget that schedules should be flexible and will change as his body changes so rapidly and often in these first 12 months. Don't get so stuck on the idea of a schedule that you frustrate yourself or ignore what he is telling you. Enjoy these first months with as many cuddles and kisses as you can!

1 mom found this helpful
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W.C.

answers from Seattle on

Briefly: that is the age that teething begins. That and a growth spurt will change things for you.

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M.L.

answers from Seattle on

Maybe he just wants to interact?

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J.N.

answers from Seattle on

My instinct is telling me that he just wants to be held for a little bit. At 6 weeks snuggle him up. It will help build his security. Enjoy this time, it's going to fly by :)

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B.B.

answers from Portland on

Good for you for recognizing that babies are trainable! I agree and did a schedule with my son which worked great - he is 3 and a great eater and sleeper now. During growth spurts, their little bodies are rapidly changing which is probably a little (or a lot) painful for them. My son usually doesn't sleep well during growth spurts but sleeps like a log for a few days after. I would try warm baths, massage, etc which may help his discomfort during his growth spurt. He should be back to his regular schedule soon. I also sometimes fed him a little sooner (30 min) that his schedule called for during growth spurts too.

T.C.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hi R.,
I am a scheduler, too: my babies loved it.

But 2 things are probably happening right now besides the growth-spurt: the sun is rising earlier and earlier (my boys want to be up at the crack of dawn, no matter what time that takes place - lol).

Also, we're about to hit Daylight savings time. Make the time change with your baby, and see where their schedule is a week later. It may fix itself ;)

good luck!
t

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K.S.

answers from Seattle on

I did the same EASY program with both my girls, but before 3 months of age, you really have to be flexible. At 3 months, they can go with not eating as often when you really stick to the schedule, but before then, you have to kind of surrender to them and to their needs. My youngest did this same thing at 6 weeks. She truly would nurse like she was starving even after sleeping only an hour. It was kind of a nightmare on me, bu it only lasted a couple of days. The 8 week spurt is easier, and then you're almost to 3 months! Good luck!

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J.D.

answers from Seattle on

Good luck with that!

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