2 month old won't sleep unless held - am I creating a bad habit? | DadHQ

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2 month old won't sleep unless held - am I creating a bad habit?

Dec 15·1 min read

My son is 8 weeks old and literally will not nap unless he's in my arms or my wife's arms. The second we try to put him down he screams. We've tried the bassinet, the pack n play, even propping him up in the crib at an angle. Nothing works. Our pediatrician said it's normal but I'm worried we're setting ourselves up for failure later. Anyone else deal with this? Does it eventually stop or are we doomed to hold a toddler 24/7?

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Comments(5)

RRob K.Regularjust now

Wait, the pack n play didn't work? That's our go-to. Maybe he just prefers the warmth/heartbeat thing? We literally just held ours for naps for like 6 weeks straight and then one day she was fine in the bassinet. Nature of the beast.

MMike F.Regular6h ago

The bassinet next to the bed was our move. He was in his own space but could still hear/smell us. Gradual transition instead of cold turkey.

SSteve L.Regularjust now

Your pedi is right. Newborns need contact. Full stop. Once he's 4+ months you can start being more strategic about independent naps, but right now you're doing exactly what you should be doing.

KKeith L.Regularjust now

We're at 3 months and same situation. Pediatrician said the window for 'bad habits' doesn't really apply until like 4-5 months when they develop object permanence. Before that they're just... confused about why they're not touching you anymore. It'll change on its own.

DDante J.New Dadjust now

8 weeks is still insanely early. You're not creating a bad habit, your kid is literally just being a baby. They spent 9 months in a warm moving container and now the world is huge and cold and LOUD. Holding him is not spoiling him, it's what he needs. The guilt is normal but it's misplaced.