Jamasco / benb's mama,
I actually read on another forum to try and put him down earlier as he was getting so overtired by bath / bed time that it couldve been a source of his early wakings. go figure! they also mentioned only to give him a maximum of 2 sleeps a day, for a total of 2-2/12 hours. this seemed impossible especially with waking so early. but yesterday it worked like clockwork. Up at 5.30, back to bed at 8.00, slept till 9.30, up till midday, slept till 1.00, but i did need to add another sleep at 3.30 but it only was a cat nap of 30 mins.
so the last two nights i have done this and we have had success. so, last night, bath at 5, dinner, bed at 6, slept through to 5.30 this morning. Mind you, both bottom teeth are now fully through so this could be making a difference too! who knows........every day is different.
i do believe he was sleeping too much through the day thou sometimes. With regards to your suggestion to get him to bed later, that has not worked either. He still wakes early, it is habitual!
Anyhow, this seems to be working at the moment, will however keep note to see if it is his teeth (which i do believe is) and give update when required!