Why isn't she sleeping that much during the day anymore?

Question

My 7 week old has been having a hard time taking naps recently. She's doing the same thing at night. I haven't done anything different. All the sleeping methods that worked, are not working anymore! Why could be a reason that she's not napping well?

Thanks!

Answer 1

Hi! You will soon discover that your baby will adopt sleeping patterns all her own in the next year. It goes through stages but as each month passes her sleep should increase more and more and the napping around the clock will eventually settle to sleeping in the night with frequent naps during the day. The best thing you can do is that if you know one strategy is no longer working, then try another.

Put her in a swing or infant carrier and maybe she will sleep better and for longer periods. If that doesn't help try to figure out if there is something your overlooking (wet diaper, hungry, check for fever, make sure she is warm/cool enough)... If she has been sleeping in a crib then maybe she needs to sleep in a more elevated position. My daughter fussed and fussed as a newborn until we finally put her in a carrier and she actually started sleeping in the night and only woke a few times for a bottle. Gas can also be the culprit. Be sure to burp her every one or two ounces and if her bowels seem hard or infrequent then try her on soy formula. But if you are breastfeeding then maybe she needs you to feed more. My daughter even went through a stage where she preferred to be layed down in her crib with her blanket and bear and she would go to sleep by herself. But then at about 9 months old she decided she wanted to be rocked and snuggled to sleep. It just goes in stages and also you have to remember that your baby is going through so many changes and growing rapidly. Do whatever it takes and try not to get frustrated because its only like this for the first year. Once they hit the toddler stage, they sleep for longer periods and are able to pacify themselves better. Best of luck and hang in there! If worse comes to worse and your baby won't sleep any other way then hold her in a recliner, prop your feet up and sleep along with her. You need sleep too and its important to get it however you can!

Answer 2

Possibly a growth spurt? My daughter was the same way at about that age. she was doing really well sleeping and then all of a sudden it changed. just try to continue what you're doing. dont change anything, especially if it worked before...maybe try swaddling her at night, so shes feels secure...thats what we did with our daughter...good luck though.

its tough...espeically when you think you have their routine set...and then all of a sudden it changes!!!