How can I get 11 week old to sleep better?

Question

Okay...after one REALLY bad night I have to ask....my son is almost 12 weeks old and usually sleeps okay at night. Sometimes he'll sleep 4-6 hours for his first stretch, wake up, feed and go back to bed until about 5 or so, then sleeps with me until 7 while nursing.

Other times he'll wake every 2 hours, then every hour then in a half hour and is very restless. He'll still come in bed with me around 5 and sleep until about 7.

Last night was the worst night he's ever had. First he slept for 3 1/2 hours, got up, ate, then went back to sleep for only an hour in which he was up for TWO HOURS wide awake with no signs of going back to sleep. After he finally did go to sleep he was up an hour later, and then an hour after that. Again he came in bed at 5 am.

Help me please to get him to sleep better....I've tried swaddling and he always seems to get out....he also always eats plenty before bed.

What can I do?

Answer 1

Welcome to the zombie stage. I think everyone has gone through this. Give it time, their sleep patterns will change often. I remember those days, and I don't miss them.

Answer 2

Well, if it were me, first of all, i wouldn't put him to bed with me.  He could or just maybe starting to get used to being in your bed with you.  It'll be tough but he'll get used to his and be restfull.  After 4 kids... i learned it that way with after the first one and to also not breastfeed past 2 months because of that and then i'd have his crib next to my bed and it comforting for him too to hear me.... now, everyone is different, i don't know if you choose to breastfeed for a long time.  Good Luck

Answer 3

Must be the way the planets were aligned last night, because my son is 11 weeks also and we had a bad night last night too,  He's been sleeping from like 10 or 11 until 4 or 5:30, but last night he was up at 2 am and I swear he wanted to nurse the rest of the night.  

Answer 4

Take him to bed with you from the beginning, and nurse him lying down next to him when he wakes during the night.

You will both more than likely have a much better and nicer night's sleep.

Answer 5

My wife and I have had much success by playing smooth classical type music.  All three of our children go to bed listening to "ENYA" Paint the Skys.  Worked for us.  Good Luck!

Answer 6

Babies at this stage wake up a lot, get their nights and days mixed up and need lots of feedings. Even more so if you are breastfeeding. I feel your pain, I just went through it. I can honestly say it will get better. I never thought it would, but it does.

Continue trying to swaddle him. Also, make sure he does not have a wet diaper (this seemed to wake my baby up and keep her up, she was very sensitive and hated a wet diaper).

He might still be getting the days and nights mixed up like I said but he will learn. Make sure when he won't go to sleep, and it is night time, that you don't play with him or turn lights/tv. Try to talk to him softly and rock him. Also, make sure he is burped and not gassy. This tends to keep babies up too.

Good luck, and remember, it will get better!

Answer 7

i don't think you can. at that age, they sleep when they wants.

it WILL get better. I PROMISE!

Answer 8

12 weeks is a very common growth spurt time.

Sleep patterns in babies can change so often. Is having him in your bed all night an option for you? I find this the best way for us all to have a good nights sleep.

Answer 9

my first question is this, are you waking him up to feed or is he waking up? If you are waking him STOP!!!! I never saw a reason to wake a sleeping child. If HE is waking up, trying first just changing his diaper and giving him a pacifier. It could be as simple as that. If that still isn't working, trying bringing a pack and play next to you when you sleep. He might need your smell to sleep. This way he is in the room and can see you if he happens to wake.  One thing I found that works is putting a tiny bit (less than a teaspoon) of cereal into a warm bottle of soy formula (my son couldn't have regular) as his final meal. It filled him up and changing his diaper was the only thing i had to get up for. He has been a sound sleeper since about 3 months to today. He is now 5!

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