Fussier and clingier

Baby boy (5w) is getting fussier by the day. His first 3 weeks of life he had a surprisingly set little routine of 4 hr stretches of sleep in the night and didn’t mind being put down for 10-15 minutes in the day or night. Slept in bassinet the first half of the night even. Past 2 weeks he has been extremely Velcro and screams the second he’s put down most of the time. Refuses to sleep anywhere but contact and nighttime wakeups are every 2 hours now. Is this normal? Am I doing anything to cause the extra clinginess ? My partner thinks I hold him too much (which I don’t believe is possible) but have I messed up by not letting him get used to being set down when he’s okay with it??

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Omg this! My little one is also 5 weeks today and has been struggling to self settle (he usually is so good at it!). The nights have become horrendous - wakes up every 2 hours and struggles to go back to sleep (even after feeds). I think it might be a growth spurt?! Whatever it is, it needs to pass! I’m exhausted😖

@Sarah perhaps a growth spurt!! I’m finally to the end of my healing/resting period and it’s frustrating that NOW is when he’s preventing me from doing things such as housework/ cooking rather than when I was allowing myself to rest the first 5 weeks XD

You aren’t doing anything wrong. Your little one is probably starting to really wake up to the world around him and just wants to be held for comfort. Totally normal and you can’t hold a newborn too much. Mine wouldnt be put down day or night for the first 8 weeks and if anything it’s helped her develop a secure attachment with me because of all the cuddles. As long as you are getting enough rest yourself, hold that baby 💗

@Hannah thank you! I am doing my best and always do whatever he needs/wants on demand but it’s starting to get a bit overwhelming given I have other responsibilities. Obviously I will prioritize him I just need to accept that other things might take longer to get done than expected. 😌

I think the first few weeks are known as the fourth trimester, meaning your baby still thinks that you are a part of him and vice versa. My baby girl was exactly like this too, she couldn’t be left for more than 2 minutes in her bassinet for a nap! He probably is just getting used to being him, having all this space and wondering what’s going on. You’re doing amazing mama, keep cuddling your bubba as time does fly by 🫶🏻 xx

it’s so normal! could definitely be a growth spurt, especially if he’s hungrier. i know it’s hard but try not to worry about chores, there will always be time for that but he will only be this little for so long 🤍 i know it’s tiring but it won’t last forever!!

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