My son is 6 weeks old and only sleeps if I'm holding him. The second I try to put him down he wakes up and screams. I'm exhausted and my back is killing me. Is this normal? Should I be worried about creating bad habits? Everyone keeps telling me different things. Just want to sleep for more than 20 minute stretches.
Dude I remember this torture. Try laying him on your chest but in a position where you can actually rest your back against something, or take shifts with your partner holding him so you can get breaks.
The contact napping phase is real and brutal. We did a lot of contact sleeping with our first until we could transition him to the bassinet around 8-10 weeks. Hang in there, your back will thank you soon.
We're three months in with this exact issue. Someone told me it's called the fourth trimester and basically babies just want to be held. I've accepted it for now and just try to get comfortable. Netflix and one-handed snacks are your friend.
This is so relatable. I remember those early weeks feeling like my son was literally glued to me 24/7. The good news is it does pass. My guy is six months now and I can finally set him down without him losing his mind. Hang in there - you're doing great even if it doesn't feel like it.
This is so normal at 6 weeks. Mine did the exact same thing. It gets better around 3-4 months when they start to settle more. Hang in there, you're doing great.
Man, I'm dealing with the exact same thing right now. My 3-month-old is the same way. I've read that it's totally normal at that age - they just want to be close to you. I've been trying to transition him to the bassinet by putting my hand on his chest for a few minutes before I leave. Still rough but getting slightly better.
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The contact naps are rough but they're temporary. Try the bassinet next to your bed at night so you're close but he's down. Took some of the pressure off for us.
Those early weeks are intense. You're not doing anything wrong. His nervous system just needs to feel safe. Try not to stress too much about the 'good sleep habits' stuff everyone tells you about yet.