How often is/ was your baby awake and content at 4-5 weeks old?

Question

Our little man will be 5 weeks this week and is getting more awake every day - but he isn't always content when awake - after a feed, he'll have maybe half an hour when he is content without being held (on his play mat/ in his bouncer etc) otherwise he loves to be held sitting upright on a lap or laying on his back in a lap chatting away to us and smilling - he'll cry when put down.

Obviously it isn;t always practical to do this, especially since Daddy returns to work next week!

How often was your baby awake at this age and how often were they content not being held?

Answer 1

I don't have an exact count, but my daughter is 4 weeks old today and she is much more alert now than ever before.  She takes little cat naps and maybe 3-4 hour long naps per day.  At night, she wakes every 3-4 hours.

She is content to sit in her bouncer and she loves riding in the car.  But I hold her a lot, so I can't really judge.

Answer 2

i remember when my little girl reached about this stage she wasn't content when put down always wanted to be held but its just not that simple, i bought two things that made it easier for me a carry sling that i put her in and i was able to get somethings done in the house while she still felt close to me etc and a baby chair that swung from side to side slowly and she settled in no time,

Answer 3

My baby at that age was awake alot and only content for about 2-3 hours a day.  The other times he wanted to be held upright while we were standing.  

Answer 4

awwwww happy 5 week birthday baby berry!!!

it's all different, my older son he was a screamer and a crier. He didn't sleep much, he just cried and cried and cried. I'm surprised he made it this far LOL

Austin, he slept 6 hours the day he came home and was content sitting and watching. He's still more mellow than Marty!!!

Answer 5

This is really hard as everyone says don't pick them up all the time when they cry as they'll get clingy but I couldn't help myself! I remember doing the house work with my son in the sling attached to my front as he didn't want to be put down ever!! I did find as he got a bit older, maybe 3 months, he liked being laid under a toy which he could kick and it would spin and play music, he'd quite happily play under this for a long time.

Answer 6

This early they are still getting used to the world and want the security of you and being held. I would just try alternating holding him for a while and then put him down. If he does not like the bouncer then try a swing the movement will or should help keep him content. Also with the swing you can safely move him around the house with you so that he will not be afraid. Good luck.

Answer 7

My baby daughter has always been content not being held...(touch wood!!)

At 4-5 weeks she was probably awake around 3 or 4 hours per day, she has always been a great sleeper!! Bless!!

Good Luck!!

Answer 8

During the first 3 months or so your baby is learning who you and your husband are. He needs to interact with you and your husband and if he cries when  you put him down it is because he is bonding and likes the interaction. Try when you put him down and he cries to sit over him and talk to him or play with him. This way he gets comfortable on the floor cause he knows you are still around. Most babies will cry as they have the separation anxiety when they see their parents walk away. Just reassure him that you are there still. If you are going into another room, just keep talking so he can hear your voice and know that you aren't far away. He will just get more alert as the days pass and it is totally normal for him to want more interaction during his awake times.  

Answer 9

I felt as though my daughter never slept. She was still a very happy baby though i was not so happy.

She is now 14 months and she has naps of 30min to 1 hour every 2.5  to 3 hours. it's great. I started a routine at about 7 months of a nap every 2 hours.

I think it's just a matter of a child teaching himself to get to sleep. It is a very difficult time for the baby and you. You will need plenty of patience.

Answer 10

Mine was the same, she is 4 months now and her naps are only 30mins (+/-). From the day she was born she was always awake and alert, i do find the older she gets the more awake she is, but now she sleeps trough the night so thats a plus side.

Im having a VERY hard time keeping her entertained and it gets worse as she gets older becuase she has so much energy, she gets bored easily. Every baby is different