Son won't sleep unless I'm holding him - is this normal at 6 weeks? | DadHQ

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Son won't sleep unless I'm holding him - is this normal at 6 weeks?

Aug 10·1 min read

My wife keeps saying he'll grow out of it but I'm losing my mind. The second I put him down in the bassinet he's screaming. I've tried the whole wind down routine, white noise machine, keeping my hand on his chest. Nothing works. He'll sleep for like 3-4 hours if I'm holding him but the moment his back touches the mattress it's game over. My arms are tired and my back is killing me. Please tell me this isn't forever.

3 comments206 views

Comments(3)

KKent R.RegularAug 10

Yeah that sounds like classic newborn stuff. Have you tried white noise or a heating pad in the bassinet before you put him down? Some parents swear by that trick to help with the transition.

MMatt J.RegularAug 10

Totally normal at 6 weeks, man. My son was the same way and it drove me up the wall, but your wife's right that it does pass. In the meantime, try the contact naps when you can - I know it's frustrating but those early weeks are rough.

CCharlie A.RegularAug 10

That's tough, my friend. At 6 weeks though he really does just want to be close to you. We found that doing shifts with my wife where I took a block and she took a block helped us both get some sanity back.