Does it have to go to hell?

Jacob and Henry are going to be 4 weeks old this week. So far, I have been fairly successful using the Weissbluth method. They wake up, eat, play a little and when they start showing signs of being tired, I swaddle them, give them a pacifier and within 1/2 an hour they are asleep. I've been placing them in their cribs to sleep. I do this all day and at bed time (around 830/9), they nurse and get a bottle to go to sleep they then wake up 2-3x for more bottles but go back to sleep. So far they have been consistent. I know they haven't entered the fussy period yet, so will my good sleepers become wildly erratic or should I be able to maintain their consistency? I realize right now is all about survival but I am trying to be optimistic that I can keep this up but I need to know if that dream is realistic or not.

 

We were not nearly that consistent at 4 weeks, but FWIW, mine got a little fussier around 6 weeks but continued to be relatively good sleepers (for newborn babies). As I remember it (it's all a little hazy :ibiggrin: ), the sleep didn't change that much, but their awake times got longer and fussier -- so we had to spend longer after each feeding getting them soothed and back to sleep. I don't remember whether this was true at night or just during the day, but in general, I remember that the 6 week "fussy peak" (which for us was more like 6-8 weeks, since they were born at 37 weeks) was rough, but not as bad as I dreaded. Good luck!

 

I was very consistent around that time as well. I wanted to sleep train them to sleep in their cribs and not just fall asleep anywhere, which I was very successful in doing. They nap in their carseats if we go somewhere or in their stroller, but when we are home they sleep in their cribs. I don't mean to rain on your parade, but it will change as your babies grow. Around 6-8 weeks is when babies reach their fussy period if it happens and around 3 months they have a growth spurt. They will start to stay up longer between naps and become more fussy. It's just the way it goes. For now, it's awesome that you have them on a consistent routine...it's good to teach them early.

 

In my experience, they might get fussier, but as long as you are consistent in your routine they'll keep up with the routine too. You might hit some rough patches, but they should be short lived and easy to over come. Just stick to the schedule and be very consistent. I think you'll be fine. Stay positive.

 

:yahoo: for you! You sound like you've got a great routine going! I like to stay optimistic too and I hope you don't have any problems. My boys didn't really get much off their routine, only that they would cry from 6:30-9 every night during those fussy weeks. Bottle was at 6 and if I couldn't get them to sleep before 6:30, yes, all he** broke loose! Good luck!

 

Sounds like you have a great routine going! Hopefully, it will stay that way. I'm sure there will need to be some adjustments along the way, of course, but there's no reason to think that it will necessarily be bad. They very well may continue to be great sleepers!

 

Sounds like they are doing great! They do tend to change things up just when you start to get things figured out, but that FY is all about adjustment for all!

 

:woo: that is awesome that they've got a great little routine down. I agree with the other posters, there will be some adjustments along the way but I would continue to be consistent as you can and make changes when you need to.