still needs catnap at 8months - help!

[Katstar]

Ds is now 8 months and has always had shorter than average A times. Since 5/6 months his naps have been good - usually 1.5hrs altho sometimes a shorter nap here and there. This last week we have been able to increase his A time to 2.5 hrs sometimes 3 if he's had a good nap. First A time is always shorter at 2hrs.

Now I know we should be dropping the catnap now (and probably a while ago!) but I just dont see how we will get to a decent bedtime.

He wakes from his afternoon nap at approx 3ish so can make it to 6 but is absolutely shattered and ends up waking at 5-6am next morning and is tired the  whole day. His cat nap is now nearer 5pm and he will sleep the whole 45 mins if left. Should I start waking him earlier. bedtime is 7-7.30 so v short A times at the end of the day.

What should I do?

Kate x

[*Becky*]

Hi there,
Could you post your routine in EAS format please and we will take a look. It may be that you need to start pushing out that first A time. 2 hours is short for an 8 month old. It may also be a reason why he is waking earlier i.e. he knows that 2 hours later he can have a nice long sleep. If you could push it out a little then you might find that the CN can be gradually moved shorter and shorter until you can lose it altogether. CN's too close to bed can also make lo's wake earlier.
Becky

[Yazzie]

Hey there hun, agree with pp, please post your routine so that we can have a better idea.

[Katstar]

Thanks, routine is as below:

wakes 5-6 plays sometimes needs resettling but often settles himself

E wakes for morning 7-7.30am - milk 9oz
A brekkie - 8.30
S 9/9.30 - 10.30/11am (1.5hrs)

E lunch 11.30/12
A
S 1/1.30 - 2.30/3pm (1.5hrs)


E 3pm milk 8oz
A
S at the moment catnap 4.30/5pm for 45 mins

E 5/5.30pm tea
A bath etc
S bedtime 7/7.30

without the catnap he cannot really last past 6pm - just cries and sucks thumb.

I really struggle with increasing A times as once he's tired I find there's little I can do...he will just cry and suck his thumb and fight you - any suggestions?

Thanks for your help.