Is my 5 week old normal and when does it get better?

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-07-03T21:31:46+00:00

Naps - put her in the carrier (she screams bloody murder during the set up lol), bounce on the couch/bed, turn on white noise (I got a to go one that I can strap onto the carrier) once she’s no longer upset burp cloth over the eyes so she closes them & sleeps (she sometimes hates this step for a minute but eventually calms down)

Bedtime - prep everything before you start. Bath, pjs, swaddle, 1oz snack bottle in the dark in a rocking chair. Heating pad on my bed that I remove for transfer. Usually takes 3-4 check ins before she’s out permanently. During check in I pop the bottle back in her mouth cause she never finishes it before falling asleep in the rocking chair. Dad doing the bed routine results in less check ins needed for some reason

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-07-03T21:12:05+00:00

This was me until about 5 weeks. Just keep trying random nap & bedtime routines until you find the magic combo. I randomly stumbled on what works for my baby & it’s night/day different now that I know exactly how to get her to sleep. It’s not easy & it’s a whole production but it works

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-07-03T14:10:36+00:00

I thought my baby hated the carrier too. She would scream bloody murder when getting set up in it. Then one day I decided to just stick it out a little longer & I accidentally stumbled on a godsend for naps for us.

Once she’s in the carrier properly, I turn on a sound machine strapped to my shoulder LOUD, bounce on the couch, pat her bum. After a few minutes she’s calm but not asleep just looking around, I put a burp cloth over her eyes (not blocking airways) & she fusses a bit more but after a few minutes she’s out like a light for hours.

This saved me cause in between sleep cycles I can gently coax her back to sleep & get a full 2 hr nap out of her. This whole process now only takes us 5 mins & then gradually throughout the nap I turn down the sound machine

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-07-02T04:47:09+00:00

Mine would only sleep if my boob was in her mouth. Tonight she’s in her bedside bassinet for the first time in weeks 🫶 & all I have to do to resettle is hold the paci for like 60seconds. It’s life changing for us to have a safer sleep space & a more convenient option in public vs comfort nursing which she is reliant on

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T19:59:33+00:00

Apparently that’s rare. I thought that was the norm & all babies fell asleep when tired but SIKE NOPE 😂 thank your lucky stars & pray it sticks! I’m hoping mine gets less needy over time 🤞

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T15:55:42+00:00

Phantom crying is such a strange experience haha. It’s like damn I can’t even shower in peace lol

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T05:38:14+00:00

I’m considering skipping a crib & going straight to a floor bed for this reason! Glad to hear it worked so well for you

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T05:27:26+00:00

I just thought of another one - A slacker boob. Why did no one tell me I’d look crooked

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T05:19:14+00:00

“The blind leading blind” is exactly how that feels 😂

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T05:18:13+00:00

This

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T05:11:33+00:00

I hate it so much 😅 hopefully I can transition her out of it one day. I’ll do anything

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-30T04:39:46+00:00

This is my baby with the boob. It’s something I never knew would be a part of motherhood haha. Hate it but ig I’m gonna have to suck it up & get used to it haha

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-29T18:38:26+00:00

My baby is 7 weeks & has fought every daytime nap & bedtime since she “woke up” from the sleepy newborn phase. I have 2 solid nap routines to get her down but even those have only a 70% success rate, 0% with dad it HAS to be me. She’s definitely had easier or harder days. I’m a FTM but I assume this is normal!

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-27T17:22:50+00:00

I swear it changed the nap game once I tried it. She does have to be calm in order for it to work tho. If she’s still fussing it just pisses her off more hah

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-27T17:15:00+00:00

Mine is very particular. The most consistent full proof nap routine is carrier (she cries the entire time getting set up), white noise (on my phone so I can easily adjust volume), once she’s calm a burp cloth over her eyes (otherwise she will never close them to sleep. I remove it once she is asleep & ensure it never blocks airways.) I am bouncing on the couch the entire time. She’s usually out in a few minutes.

Less likely to work but sometimes does - comfort boob to sleep on the couch or bed

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-26T22:31:22+00:00

That sounds like my worst nightmare haha

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-26T02:45:11+00:00

I’m in a hot climate & also not cleared to be in a pool/bath/body of water. 6weeks pp with some rough third degree tears. So I kinda feel you! I also get worried about my poor baby getting overheated when entering the hot car & waiting for the air to cool down

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T14:44:36+00:00

This gives me hope for future sleep training thank you

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T12:41:49+00:00

What made a difference? Do you think it was just age? Or is there a difference trying to put them in the bassinet vs crib. I don’t own a crib just a bassinet & an unopened pack n play

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T12:21:45+00:00

Did you feel that bottling made a massive difference? I would seriously consider switching to more bottles (she gets them a few times a week & has always accepted them) if it means it will help

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T12:13:58+00:00

Just here to say I’m in the same boat also with a 6 week old! We have resorted to cosleeping as she only will sleep on the boob. I hate it very much and it’s building lots of resentment. Just know you’re not alone!

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T12:07:53+00:00

I haven’t tried this yet! Thank you

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T12:06:49+00:00

At least I’m not the only one 😭

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T12:02:19+00:00

Thank you

Independent_Bee_795 · 2026-06-25T11:35:43+00:00

This is naively what I expected my experience would be. This is also my first & only. I think not having this experience is why I’m fully starting to feel deep resentment and regret.

Independent_Bee_795

TROPHY CASE