How long should I let them nap?

One of my boys has been asleep for four hours straight, I'm starting to think I should wake him up so he'll sleep some tonight. At 6wks old are they too young for me to wake them up some during the day so that they'll save their longer sleep stretches for night? Should I just let them sleep as long as they want to during the day?

 

At that age, I had them on a strict 3 hour feeding schedule. If feeding time came around and they were asleep, I woke them up.

 

I woke them every 3 hours to feed during the day to keep them on a good feeding schedule during the day at least...I felt like it was the only control I had at the time!! I did let them go at night.

 

I would always wake to feed (same 3 hours as the others have mentioned) but I never woke in order to try to get a good night sleep. Sleep=sleep so generally well rested babies sleep better at night. I did not control daytime sleep, they could do it anytime anyplace at that age as long as they took what they wanted of their bottle every 3 hours (sometimes I am not sure if they were even awake for that lol!!). Honestly, at that age I don't think there is such a thing as saving longer stretches.

 

I've read not to let them sleep for more than 3 hours during the day or else it will interfere with their sleeping at night. Good luck! I bet the break is nice

 

I would absolutely wake them up, don't let them sleep for more than 2.5 - 3 hours during the day, that way they will know difference between day and night.

 

Don't let him "skip" a feeding. He could end up getting day-night confusion if he sleeps too long uninterupted during the day and that's no fun for anyone!

 

QUOTE(stacyw @ Jun 14 2007, 03:21 PM) [snapback]292364[/snapback]
At that age, I had them on a strict 3 hour feeding schedule. If feeding time came around and they were asleep, I woke them up.



Ditto this!

 

QUOTE(JustUs4 @ Jun 14 2007, 09:13 PM) [snapback]292534[/snapback]
I've read not to let them sleep for more than 3 hours during the day or else it will interfere with their sleeping at night. Good luck! I bet the break is nice

Same here! However, you know what is best for your babies.

 

Mine were on a 4 hour feeding schedule at that age. It not only let them know what was going to happen throughout the day, it made it a lot easier for me because I knew what to expect. I put them down to nap after 1.5-2 hours of wake time and I'd wake them up if they were still asleep when it was time to eat.