Ever since he was born, James has expressed a strong need to be near mommy at all times. Sometimes, we successfully put him down in his swing and/or playpen awake and happy, but that usually last only a few minutes before he wants to be held again. Showers can be an issue, but we've solved that by bringing him in with us. Now, car trips are another story... :) Night time tends to be a struggle, but he usually does fall asleep in his bassinet, but only after several tries... Pictured here: After a couple hours of trying to get him down for a nap, I only found success with him on my lap :)
We've had to pull out our old bag of tricks to help James get acclimated to the outside word during his 'fourth trimester'. Pictured here, he's taking a nap (before waking up and sleeping on my lap in the picture above) on his foam wedge positioner (pink hand-me-down from his sister), which not only helps to keep him from rolling over, but it also keeps him elevated to aid in acid reflux. Baby stomach valves aren't strong enough to hold back their food very well at this age and by keeping James elevated, we're helping to keep the contents in his stomach (we try anyway!). We keep him tightly swaddled as well, so he doesn't keep by bashing himself in the face with his hands uncontrollably (doesn't have much control over those either just yet!). The swaddle also mimics the warm hug he not so long ago felt in his mommy's uterus, which relaxes him. We've also been using a noise maker that has a womb recording with heartbeat that lulls him to sleep. The 'fourth trimester' has been a challenge, but with one month to go, well be out of it before we know it :)
Hang in there, mama!
ReplyDeleteYour little man is getting bigger and stronger every day.
You're right, it's a big adjustment for him and for the rest of the family -- and it won't last forever. ((Some day... some day... we'll wonder why they don't sit on our laps anymore.)) Meanwhile, cut yourself some slack and take as many snuggle breaks as you can! ;)