As a tired parent what would you do?

Question

So my 12 week old has a new game...so far now he's done this twice since Thurs...he'll wake up about and hour after a feed and 3-4 hour stretch of sleep and wants to stay up. (it's always like 1:30-2:30 AM)

He's always fine..no crying, no fussing, just wide awake playing with his hands and making sounds.

Last night I was so tired I took care of what he needed then just put him back in the bassinet beside my bed and left him to do his own thing. I still didn't sleep and it went on for an hour and a half. I got up a few times and finally he went back to sleep at about 4 AM.

What would you do in this situation? I'm about losing my mind and this seems to becoming a trend.

Answer 1

You did the right thing by putting him back in his bassinet and going back to bed. You need your sleep. The absolute worst part of being a parent is the lack of sleep. I don't think words could describe the extent of sleep deprivation you go thru. Good luck and this to shall pass.

Answer 2

not that i am a parent, but i think i would just go right back to sleep.  he can't hurt himself playing wiht his hands.  

Answer 3

There's no reason to stay awake with him if he wants to be awake in the middle of the night. I wouldn't do anything.

Except rejoice because that means he'll nap longer during your waking hours, so you can have a bigger slice of "you" time.

Answer 4

It sounds like you're doing the right thing--putting him back to bed even if he wants to stay awake and "hang out."

Let him do what he's going to do, and just go back to sleep.  He will soon figure out that there is more going on in the daytime and that nighttime is just dark and boring, and he'll adjust.

Answer 5

its prefactly fine and normal...babies have different sleep patterns as we do. sometimes you are more tired than awake on days or sometimes its hard for you to fall asleep..well babies are the same way. as long as he is fine, then you have nothing to worry about...he is just taking his time going to sleep and exploring.

Answer 6

Sounds normal to be, I would just continue on doing what I am doing and allow him to sleep when he is ready. My 5 month old daughter does it from time to time. She'll be wide awake around 2am, she doesn't whine nor cry, so I leave her alone to do her own thing. In the mean time I stay near to keep an eye out and do other things and wait for her to fall back asleep before I go back to sleep myself. It's not a game they play it's a routine that are very common among newborns. She'll grab her little toes, coo's at her musical mobile, flips back and forth and once she gets tired she'll fall right back asleep. It's expected to lose sleep during the first year you'll just have to get used to it.

Answer 7

I don't see the problem!

just let him do that it isn't harming anyone he is putting himself back to sleep.

Answer 8

If he's doing this consistently, then you need to watch his napping pattern during the day.  Sometimes they get their days and nights confused.  I'm not a fan of letting them cry it out, especially at such a young age.  Try to shorten his naps during the day, particularly any that he is taking later in the evening.  He should adjust, it may just take a little effort.  Best of luck.

Answer 9

if it is becoming routine you are doing correctly by ignoring him, he is learning night time is night time if he is being ignored. His own room would be a great idea to get him into so mum gets sleep and baby if he pleases can wake up but not disturb u

Answer 10

try keeping him up more right before bed time. Im not sure of his nap schedule but try and work them to be far from bed time. I know hes young and he sleeps alot during the day..but just a couple hours before bed time dont allow any naps..do whatever you have to, to keep him awake..I used to wipe a wet wipe on my sons feet if he started getting tired. maybe try to set a schedule and routine. Give him a nice warm bath, then bottle, then bed. And stick to it..every night. Good luck :P

Answer 11

He's a baby and babies have their own way and their own schedule.  He seems to be happy and not need anything so I say don't make a mountain out of a mole hill.  Leave well enough alone.

I do think that him going in his own room is a good idea...I'm surprised you hadn't done that sooner.