First baby? Second or more? - 8 week old not settling for naps or sleep

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8 week old not settling for naps or sleep

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Category: Have A Baby?
Forum Name: First baby? Second or more?
Forum Description: Want help? Need support? Want tips? Men and women share advice and tips in this supportive community
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=46777
Printed Date: 16 December 2025 at 6:59am
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Topic: 8 week old not settling for naps or sleep

Posted By: Jenny232260
Subject: 8 week old not settling for naps or sleep
Date Posted: 18 July 2018 at 9:07pm

Hi all,
My first forum post ever. I'm in need of some advice! I have scoured the internet in search of some but nothing relevent seems to pop up. And no other mum's in my groups have this issue.
My DD is 8 weeks old and will only fall asleep in my arms. Not ever her dad's.
She will wake after 20 minutes of putting her down, day and night.
She has never successfully taken a day nap anywhere other than my arms or the car seat or pram.
In the evening we bathe her, pyjamas on, lights down, cuddles. I've tried putting her down while she's drowsy but she loses it. And when I put her down fully asleep she will wake up and stay awake for a couple of hours if she's worked herself up.
She is BF and co sleeps in a nest between us in bed (safely).
I have a bassinet in the living room I have tried using for day naps.
During the night she wakes for feeds and I keep her upright for 20-40 minutes afterwards due to her reflux. So she falls asleep in my arms through the night and tends to have longer sleeps through the night (2 hours) I have elevated her mattress. She's full, she's burped, her reflux is being dealt with, she's a warm baby. Lullabies, white noise...
I've tried everything.
She's not a crier. Until I try to put her to bed!!
I have just heard so much about bad sleep habits from 8 weeks and I want to get some of my evening back.
All other mum's seem to leave their baby to self settle at nights.
Any advice would be amazing. I don't want this to go on for years if I don't break the habit of sleeping in my arms.
Please help
Thank you