6 Week Old Fighting Sleep

Ever since Monday my DD has been getting super cranky in the late afternoons (which I read seems to be common for her age) but then when it gets to be around 8:30-9:00 you can see that her eyes are closing but she's fighting actually falling asleep, yesterday it got so bad that she only slept for 1/2 hour between 4:00 and 9:30! When she did sleep, she slept 4 hour clips through the night until 9:30 this morning. I'm just curious if anyone else has expierenced this and is it common or is it a sign that something may be wrong? I plan on calling the ped tomorrow, but I'd like to see what other moms have been through.

Sorry for the long winded post.. I have so much nervousness that I'm doing something wrong.

Re: 6 Week Old Fighting Sleep

First, I don't think you are doing anything wrong at all, from the sound of it. Second, you are right - this does sound common for a 6 week old. Last, always call the PED- it can never hurt and if anything just makes you feel better (I know it did for us!). Our DD started major crankiness at 3 weeks. She was cranky all day though and not just in the evening. If you know she doesn't have a fever, is pooping/peeing/eating, etc chances are she's just fussy. When we called the PED, they told us to revisit Happiest Baby on the Block which I would recommend. The 5 S's work great - especially at that age. Also, 6 weeks their sleep clock is still totally off- so to get the 4 hour clips at night is great! Also, there is a sleep book Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child that explains sleep at the different ages and also fussiness- would highly recommend that too.

Good Luck!

Re: 6 Week Old Fighting Sleep

You aren't doing anything wrong!

It actually sounds to me like she is overtired. Try putting her down during the day more often - whether it is in crib, bassinet, swing, it doesn't matter. At that age she shouldn't be awake for more than 1.5-2 hours at a time - if even that long.

Message edited 1/29/2010 7:38:47 PM.

Re: 6 Week Old Fighting Sleep

Yeah, my DS did the same. he's a terrible napper. and at that age he used to fight sleep too. we used to say that he thinks he was missing out on stuff..LOL.

DS has been sleeping nites much better...still a crappy napper though.

Re: 6 Week Old Fighting Sleep

My almost 7 week old has been doing this for the past week or so! I thought something was wrong with her....but i think she was a llittle gassy and i realized that she wanted to use me as her pacifier Ever since i gave in and gave her my breast to calm her down....she sleeps so much better. does your DC have a pacifier? maybe that will work.

Re: 6 Week Old Fighting Sleep

thanks for the reassurance. She is pooping & peeing plenty and if anything is eating a little more. I'm thinking perhaps it's a growth spurt that just threw her off. Today she is sleeping a little better, still fighting sleep, but is at least staying asleep. I'm still going to call the Ped just to make myself feel better. She will take the pacifier sometimes other times she is just way too overtired and nothing makes her happy. I have also been really bad with writing down exact times she sleeps and is awake. She's never been a good sleeper so there hasn't ever been a "schedule". Hopefully this is her figuring herself out and might lead to a schedule.

Anyway thanks for the replies, I feel better for tonight!