Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

I'm going to start this with a disclaimer- I am NOT complaining!! DS is a great sleeper, I'm just curious why he is doing what he is doing

DS is 10 weeks old. He tends to get very cranky around 5. Usually he takes a short nap in the morning from 9-10 and then another nap, sometimes from 11-1 or 12-2, something like that. He doesn't usually go down for another nap after that, or will occassionaly catnap in his carseat if we're out or the swing at home. So last night he started getting cranky so I gave him a bath, bottle and cereal and he passed out by 6pm and slept till 4am (which I am VERY happy about!!) But he has been going to bed consistently between 6-6:30 and if he doesn't he is a monster. Should I push for another nap during the day? I don't want to mess up the nice long night sleep, but I feel bad that he gets so cranky right when DH walks in the door!!

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

That sounds almost exactly like Logan at that age.

I would keep it as is and as he gets more and more alert lenghten the naptimes and make bedtime a little later.

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

My hubby usually doesn't get to see the kids in the evening. I've always respected their natural bedtimes. I think I'd be grateful for the wonderful long block you are getting and not mess with it!

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

DD has ALWAYS had an early bedtime. Even now, at almost 18 months, she is asleep by 5:30/6:00 (she's in bed now). BE GRATEFUL!!!

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

my DS is the same way sometimes - i struggle to keep him up until 7pm on some nights! right now he is napping for the third time today. i am trying to resign myself to the fact that he is not on a real schedule yet and just be grateful that he is such a good sleeper!

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

I am glad to read this because I have been try to have him stay up until 9(he is 8 weeks). How much to you feed him during the day?

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

thanks

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

That sounds right.

From that age until about 14 months old, my kids could barely make it to 6 pm. Dinner was at 4:30, bath at 5, ten bottle, book, bed or was it book, bottle bed... it's all a blur. Bed by 6 pm, no later... some nights they couldn't last past 5:30 and they would get drowsy.

I wouldn't push him, he seems like he wants a 6 pm bedtime. I know, it stinks because most DH's don't get to see their babies during the week.

My son was an unbelievable napper... down to the minute, DD had to be soothed for the first few months. Wake at 6 am (no later), first nap 7:30-9, second 11-1, third 3:00-3:45. They took 3 naps until they were 9 months old then two naps from 9-13 months.

HTH

Message edited 12/8/2008 7:05:47 PM.

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

From the time my son was a newborn 6:00 was always his witching hour. It was horrible.

He is now in his crib at 6:30 every night still - 17 months later.

My husband has to come home for lunch to see him since he doesn't see him at night.

I used to keep him up so that DH could see him - but he was so cranky that DH couldn't even appreciate the time spent with Jack. He now makes the most of every minute with him on the weekends!

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

DD is the same!! She is sleeping in her crib at 6pm and doesnt get up until 6:30-7am! From day one, I would put her in the crib after her 6pm bottle. Not sure if that is the reason, but I am more than happy with her 6pm bedtime, since DS goes to bed at 7pm.

Message edited 12/8/2008 7:17:36 PM.

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

My DD is the same way! She is in bed before 7pm each night. She practically begs for the crib, once I put her in it she goes to sleep!

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

Thanks everyone

I'm not going to mess with a good thing! I didn't realize so many kids go to bed so early. DH comes home at lunch so he can just see him then, not a big deal. Tonight he was a little off schedule and I didn't get him to bed until 7 and it was much harder to put him down. Tomorrow I'll start getting him ready for bed at 5- if that's what he needs then by all means he can have it

Re: Really Early Bedtime- what am I doing wrong??

DS is the same way. By 6PM he is a complete mess!!

The problem that I have is that I don't get home from work till 6:30 so I have to wake him up to give him his bottle and bath and he is a screaming lunatic the whole time.

If you are able to put him down early and he sleeps well, by all means, keep to his schedule.