One Month Old Sleeping

Updated on September 16, 2008
J.S. asks from Justin, TX
4 answers

I was wondering if it is normal to stillhave a four week old not sleeping very well during the night.. He is sleeping about 2 to 2.5 hours at a time through the night. I am exhausted, he is waking up hungry because I have tried to sooth him in other ways before feeding him but doesn't work. During the day I have tried to increase his time between feedings(formula) but most days will only eat 2oz every 2to 3 hours. Occassionally he will hold off longer and drink 3to4oz. Any suggestions or is this just my baby and will eventually get better. thanks

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

So What Happened?

Thank you all for your responses, it is reassuring to hear others going through the same thing. I am grateful to hear your stories and now that it will get easier and I will get more sleep.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.C.

answers from Chicago on

This is normal. I have a two month old and didn't start sleeping 4-5 hours straight until recently. She would get up from every 1-2 hours or every 45 minutes. It will get better. As a newborn, babies will cry when they're hungry or wet. That's why they get up as early as they do.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.R.

answers from Chicago on

It will get better. Just be patient.

I am a mom who practiced CIO and really believes in routine/scheduling BUT... at 4 weeks old I think what you are asking is a bit much to expect. Personally, and this is just me, I couldn't imagine our baby stretching out time in between feedings to more than 3 hours and definitely not sleeping more than 4-6 hours 'through the night' until 12 weeks or later. I remember at that age (4 weeks) we were still waking up every 3 hours to feed him and during the day he barely made it 3 hours in between feedings.

Although I am not a physician, I can only imagine that trying to hold him off or withhold food causes the baby anxiety and stress and could be a factor in his inability to sleep. At that age, the baby's stomach is no bigger than a marble or a ping pong ball.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Chicago on

My son (now 2) has always eaten about every 2 hours. He started sleeping through the night at 9 weeks, and everytime he'd hit a growth spurt, it would be back to middle of the night feedings. He, too, ate small quantities frequently. I was jealous of all my friends who could nurse for 20 minutes every 4 hours. I was 45 minutes every 2, and it was exhausting. If I did try to feed him more, all he got was a tummy ache & spit up everywhere! The light switch was flipped at 9 weeks though, so hang in there!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.G.

answers from Chicago on

Yes that is normal. If he needs to eat, feed him. Get the "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" book. It is a great reference on normal and abnormal sleeping and when you can expect longer periods of sleep at night.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions