Is My 5Wk Old Sleeping Too Much?

Infants do sleep a lot. Is he lethargic? What's his skin & eye color like? Is he gaining weight? I would consult with a pediatrician.

My son, who is my second child, slept so much that we thought he might have narcilepsy. He would be in the middle of playing or eating and just fall asleep instantly and hard.LOL Now my first child hardly ever slept as a baby so I thought something ws really wrong with him for sleeping so much. We have joke around my family, My first child screamed her first year, My second child slept his first year and my youngest was switched at birth.LOL Enjoy the fact that he sleeps trust me if he is like my son it won't last as long as you want it to.

Babies that age sleep as much as they need to - no such thing as too much sleep. Enjoy it! It won't last forever.

No, I wouldn't be overly concerned about the amount of sleep he is getting. It may be more than the previous weeks but the sleep thing is so variable baby to baby. I know my babies all got more fussy in the evening at around 6 weeks of age and then the fussiness began to subside. I don't know if there is science behind that but that is what they seemed to do.

I do remember reading somewhere that in order to teach a baby to take his longest sleeping time at night you should wake him after two hours of sleep during the daytime. That was a little extreme for me at that young of an age so my cut off point was 3 hours. If they slept more than 3 hours I'd gently wake them up (of course not at night). They were never bothered by that but it did help them sleep longer at night, waking only once for a feeding at about 5 am when they were little, and I credit that advice for that. I didn't do that the first couple of weeks but I think at about 4-6 weeks old I began doing that.

Hope that helps.

C.,

I don't know if this is what is happening with your five-month-old, but maybe it might help. I found that when my son went through growing spurts (which he did through 18 years of age), he would eat a LOT for several weeks, then he would sleep a lot, he would shoot up 1/4 to 1/2" and then go back to normal eating and sleeping patterns until he embarked on another growth spurt. Your son may just be growing.

If this does not resolve soon, however, you might want to check with your pediatrician.

Linda

I swear mine slept 20 hours a day when he was that age. He's now four months, thriving in every way and sleeps much less - three naps a day. I'm pretty sure what you're experiencing is not abnormal and there are many moms out there who would give their right breast to have their infant sleep so well! Enjoy!

Babys sleep alot. Up until a couple of months ago my 2 yr old was sleeping almost as much as a newborn, she just recently stopped sleeping so much. The doctor told me that little ones actually need that much sleep at times, if she is sleeping, she needs it. Kids sleep when they need it. It takes years for them to figure out that they can sleep just because.

He could be going through a growth spurt, they happen often. Growth spurts cause the body to work and it is very exhausting on those little bodies. It makes them very tired and they tend to sleep more. Is he eating more or less than usual? That too is a sign of growth spurts.

One of my kids eats very little just before a growth spurt and he sleeps more than usual. The other one pigs out and sleeps alot more than usual.

If this doesn't seem to be the answer, call his doctor. Most doctors prefer the moms to askrather than assume, even if seems to be something simple like a growth spurt.

I think it's okay. He could be going through a growth spurt. They sleep more then. I wouldn't worry until he seem sleepy and acts tired when he is awake. The fussiness could be from colic. Good luck!!!

According to all my books, and also from personal experience, babies that age are SUPPOSED to sleep around 20 hours a day. In fact, it's essential to their brain development. Don't worry. And trust your gut. I've learned to trust mine and I've been right every time. Good luck!

Sounds very normal!! Babies just feed on demand and at such a young age, normally they just sleep, eat, and poop! The world is still so new to them, so 1/2 -1 hour of being awake, they have a lot to take in and absorb. During sleep is when they process the new information and when their brain develops. Also during growth spurts or if they're trying to fight off a bug they might sleep more (but this sounds like a normal amount of sleep to me, so don't worry about a bug). Also, fussiness usually peaks between 4-6 wks and is most commonly in the evenings. If the bath works, then do that! Hopefully this helps and it sounds like you have a great little baby on your hands. Enjoy your sleep as well!! I'm glad you're breastfeeding! Best for baby.

Hi C.,

I don't think that is to much for a 5 week old. My 10 month old still sleeps 16 to 18 hours a day. The Dr. told me that some kids just require more sleep than others. In your case I think it is okay, he is still so little. Both of my kids slept that much in the beginning. Maybe that is just a good sign that he will be a good sleeper for you. Both of my kids turned out to be excellent sleepers, they take regular naps, and sleep all night long. Also with my kids I remember at that age they had a fussy time of the day and it seemed like nothing helped. Honestly my opinion I think everything you explaining is natural my kids both went through it. It's awesome if your starting to get into a sleeping routine already some kids never do. Just try and keep it up. Well good luck with everything and try not to worry. I know its easier said than done. LOL! If you still feel concerned maybe you could just call your DR's office and ask to speak with the nurse and just tell her your concerns. I do that all the time and they don't mind they are very reassuring. Anyways, I just keep rambling Good Luck and take care

Have you heard the old saying let sleeping dogs lie? Never wake a sleeping baby is my credo. He's probably going through a growth spurt. He needs energy and rest to do this so eating and sleeping is all he needs right now. If it lasts more than three weeks, then talk to your MD.

just enjoy it! Every kid is different. My 2nd baby slept 14 hrs at night (I think she just combined her night sleep and morning nap) and a 2-3 hr nap in the afternoon and another hour in the evening before going back to sleep for the night. She's 5y/o now and still has a greater need for sleep than my other two kids. Just don't count on any future kids following the same pattern... if they do, go play the lottery cause your the luckiest person in the world!! Have a good day.

C.,

The number of hours of sleep he gets is not necessarily a good indicator of how healthy he is. Does he seem lethargic or "off" other than the amount of sleep he is getting? Does he seem healthy when he is awake? My biggest concern about how long he sleeps would be that he is eating enough. If you are breastfeeding, 4-5 hours is a long chunk of time to go between nursing. However, some babies go that long and are just fine. (My first did, and she was top of the charts until she slimmed down when she started walking.) If he is formula-fed, he will be able to go longer between feedings, since formula is not digested as well or as quickly as breastmilk. Signs that baby is getting enough to eat (from "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, 7th edition, pp 72-73, 75-76):

1. When he is awake, he is active and alert.
2. He is growing in weight and length.
3. His skin looks plump and immediately springs back when you lightly pinch it.
4. His fontanels (soft spots) are not sunken.
5. He is having six or more wet diapers a day. To figure out what a realy wet diaper feels like, pour 2-4 tablespoons of water in it. Just like an adult, baby's urine will be very light colored or clear when he is well-hydrated. If you see very dark urine spots in his diapers, that might indicate that he is not getting enough to eat and needs to nurse more often.
6. He is having several bowel movements every day (or one big one). A breastfed baby can go well over a week between bowel movements and still be getting plenty to eat, but prepare for a major explosion! Formula fed babies have much harder bowel movements than breastfed babies.

If he does not seem to meet these "healthy guidelines" it probably means he just needs to eat more. If you are breastfeeding, you DO NOT need to supplement with formula. You just need to wake him to nurse more often. You also may be able to "sleep-feed" him, where you simply get him to nurse when he is drowsy, not really awake, but not totally asleep. If he seems healthy and happy when he is awake, than thank your lucky stars and enjoy it while it lasts! If not, then you might want to talk to his doctor.

6 weeks is a normal time for a growth spurt, so he may be readying his body for some major growth. Also, I wouldn't worry about waking him during the day to make sure he sleeps at night. From your description he sleeps a huge chunk of the night.

Best of Luck,
S.

you have gotten a lot of positive responses :) as long as he is eating 8 full times in 24hrs until about 3months (which is about every two hours in the day and one middle of the night), and its not affecting the night time sleep, you are good to go. that is great that your first is such a great sleeper. I also suggest for the future months, that you keep feeding him after he wakes up rather then just before going to sleep. It makes it easier to tell when he is sleepy and you know that when he wakes up, he is hungry. Eventually he will start staying awake longer and longer and dropping a few feedings Good luck to you
E.

My daughter was a sleeper!! It is a good thing. Try mylicon drops for the fussiness, it could be gas. Enjoy it!
I would laugh and say my daughter was only up 4 hours out of 24 when we brought her home. If we went anywhere she would crash out in the car immediately or if there was any noise. She did this until about 3 mos then she was a lot more alert and would nap on and off during the day, be up a few times to eat at night. She is still my sleeper at night!! :) My son was the opposite, took little naps throughout the day and was up a lot more then she was. I think it has to do with the house being quiet, her being your first and all too. I would even have my daughter sleep in the pack and play in the living room to get her used to noise, the dog barking, the vacuum and she slept right through it all!! :) I wouldn't be too worried.

C.,
I think it is fine for you son to be sleeping that much. Especially at his age. I remember my daughter slept through most of her days at that age. Their newborns all they need to do is eat, sleep and use the restroom! Believe me one day he'll only sleep for a 2 hr nap if your lucky!!
A.

LET HIM SLEEP! Especially if he is sleeping through the night. Newborns sleep all the time. My daughter is 3 months old and she still sleeps 15-16 hours a day. She would sleep about 18 the first couple months. If you wake him up its going to disrupt his whole sleep cycle that seems perfect right now. If he was up all night and sleeping all day that would be a different story.

You feel happy that he sleeps, but also worried. Some babies sleep a lot, but this is only okay if they are gaining weight appropriately. A breastfed baby needs to gain at least 6 - 8 ounces each week; some babies gain a pound a week. You can take your baby to the doctor for a weight check--it is free and you do not need an appointment. The post office or grocery store might work, too. You could either go once this week, and on the same day next week, or go on one day, and at the same time the next (looking for a 1 ounce gain). Make sure you use the same scale for both weighings. Some babies are content to sleep and then suffer from inadequate weight gain. I encourage you to find a scale.

As a new mom it is so easy to worry about everything (I know I did), but if your baby is eating and having 6-8 wet diapers a day you are doing great. Be thankful you have a routine going, that will be so helpful when you go back to work. Have fun with your baby while he is awake and know that growing can be tiring. In the next few months your son will spend more and more time awake and playing, unitl then rest up and enjoy every minute; they grow way too fast.

C.-
Don't worry. This is a time where your baby is growing, alot. Alot more than is noticable to you, but in a couple of weeks you will wonder how your baby got so big!! So he needs all this sleep he is getting right now. Take advantage of it while you can!!! Get caught up on ALL your housework, because in a couple of weeks or so he'll be awake alot more and want attention almost all of the time. So, although you would like to spend time with your new little treasure, in a month or so you will be begging and pleading with him to just take a nap for a little while so you can put him down and do something!!! Enjoy your little one! :)

-B., mother of 2, 4 years and 4.5 months

The sleeping is a sign that your little angel is growing. Believe it or not, but I've had to shorten the bedtime of my 13 year old twins. The oldest was getting real crabby and whiny a few months ago, and we couldnnn't figure it out. Then he started complaining of his knees hurting and various other aches & pains. It occured to me that he is growing so I knocked him down from 8:30 bedtime to 8:00 and he has been so much better.
As long as your baby is gaining weight and still has a healthy appetite, don't fret too much. When he's done with this growth spurt you will have your active little boy back, AND you'll be wishing he was still sleeping so much.

Let him sleep. Sleep is when babies grow. In my experience with my 2 girls the first four months is and adventure in sleep. If he is sleeping like you say he is, it is ok and is perfectly natural and will change a bit around 4 months when they do start to get a little more active and aware.

Relax. Babies sleep a lot. I was worried when my third slept as much as yours and the Dr thought I was nuts for worrying. She said I had an easy baby who likes to sleep and to enjoy it while I could. The fussiness is also normal. I think it is the way they let off steam since they have no other way to do it. Sounds to me like he is doing great. Best of luck!
A.

5 week olds need lots of sleep! :) Enjoy it!

Sounds like you have a perfect baby. enjoy it. Babies are supposed to sleep a lot especially when they are so new. 18-19 hours a day is appropriate. Consider yourself very blessed.
Julie

I just had my second baby in Sept and She was like that for the first few months. Around 6 wks they have a growth spurt, so that is probably what is going on. She nursed about every 2 hours for the first 4 wks, then she would sleep at night for about 4-6 hrs between feedings. My first daughter was the same way and I was completely ecstatic that this one is so easy as well. I never wake her to eat, when she wakes I feed her. If yours will sleep a bit longer at night let them, I wouldn't wake him and make him eat, because that could lead to a routine that you really don't want! Your milk changes at night to help accommidate for them sttn, so I would take it that yours is great and not any other way! My friend's son wakes every 2 hours no matter what. He is 13 months. That is not a routine I want to have. My lo sleeps about 8-9 hours now at night, and I love it!

Babies are supposed to get lots of sleep- Typical sleep requirements up to 3-6 months is 15-16 hours- some sleep a little more some a little less. At 6 months it drops 1 hour and then at 9 months that number declines just slightly. They take 3 naps a day until 5-6 months and then drop to two naps a day until age 12 months- some children continue to sleep more

I have used the book Solve your childs's sleep problems by Richard Ferber M.D. However my children were not the best sleepers when they were little and had night terrors (a sign of not enough sleep and overstimulation). Some children just are more relaxed and love their sleep. They are content and unless you are seeing lethargy I wouldn't worry about it to much.

19 hourd is alot, but not completely uncommon,

Enjoy your little one if you are worried try to keep him awake a little longer between naps... Just playing with him. Shoot for 3 good naps a day until he gets to be about 5-6 months old then go to 2 naps a day.

Generally speaking, it is normal for babies this age to sleep a whole lot... however, if he is not gaining the weight he should, it could be a fatigue issue. If he is gaining weight like he should, I would just enjoy it while it lasts. Read Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Mark Weissbluth for ideas on how to help your child start to get on a schedule/routine (which won't happen still for a few more weeks or so). Good luck!

I hate to disagree with everyone, but I have to. You are worried because your baby's routine has suddenly changed. Have him checked out and put your mind at ease. If there is something wrong, get it fixed. If it's nothing, you will be greatly relieved and can enjoy your peace. Anytime something with your baby drastically changes for more than a day, get it checked. It's worth it for the peace of mind.

I have a total of nine kids (his 3, my 5 and our 1) and 21 grandkids.