how do you get a schedule for an infant?

im lost my dd eats on demand usually every 3 hours and sleeps most of the off hours lately shes much more awake during the day but i feel like im constantly feeding. she isnt even close to sttn.

i only get one meal a day which is dinner and i have to shove it down my throat before shes screaming again. im STARVING, tired, cranky, and worst of all hormonal and cry when she cries

please how do i get her on a schedule? what am i doing wrong?

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

How old is she?

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

I don't think you're doing anything wrong. I've always let DS dictate the schedule and I follow his cues. I'm EBFing and feed on demand. I wouldn't expect DC to STTN soon. Some babies do sleep long stretches early on, but many need to wake up at night to eat. DS didn't start STTN until 7 months.

Is there anywhere you can put DC down so you have some time to yourself? If not, do you have a sling or carrier? DS wanted to be held 24/7 and I also had trouble finding a few minutes to even make something to eat. Also, babies tend to go through growth spurts at 3 and 6 weeks. You may not have much of a break during those times.

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

michelle shes 5 weeks

brooke.. thank you for your response! she likes her bouncy chair but when shes having an off day nothing works.. i tried a sling and it was uncomfortable for both of us so i returned it.. i have a carrier but her head bobbles around way to much still to use it. i figure when she gets a little more strength il lbe able to use it. i think its just a growth spurt likeyou said she did this at around 3 weeks or so and then went back to herself.

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

At 5 weeks, there is no such thing as a schedule... THEY dictate their schedule. It sucks, I know, but you cannot put a 5 week old on a schedule.

My DD was on a a "schedule" at 3 weeks old. I put that in quotes because it was HER schedule. She ate every 3 hours, and for about 1 1/2 weeks it was pretty predictable woke at 6am, ate, fell asleep, woke at 9am, ate, fell asleep, etc, etc... around the clock like that. Then all of the sudden she would switch it up.

Also, at 5 weeks old, they are definately no where near close to STTN.

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

What is STTN?

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

Re: how do you get a schedule for an infant?

it is SO HARD to find a schedule for an infant that age. my DD never had one. she slept in her car seat most of the day since i was out and about or driving around. now my DD is 2yrs old and it's strange but my 3wk old DS is "on" her schedule so to speak...meaning after our morning business, he goes out with us after eating around 11:30am-we do errands, come back home, get lunch,or visit my sister, then around 2/2:30 pm both of them go down for a nap til about 4:30/5 then they both eat dinner (he nurses) we go visit my mom. then bedtime routines start after a walk around 7:30pm. hes usually asleep if he doesn't fuss by 8:30.
i know this is NOT a schedule but i think having another child has put my new child into what is a shadow of a schedule. i know this can all change so i don't get too hooked on it staying the way!
i will say that i find going out during the day totally helps break it up and helps you figure it out. my DD #1 had a schedule around 4 months.