Early waking 18 month old

[Lauraemily84]

I have recently done gradual retreat sleep training which has worked quite well.  But my son is still waking during the night several times, he goes to bed between 7.30-8pm every night but he wakes up for the day at 6 am! I think this is too early I'd prefer to get up as close to 7 am as possible but also I'm thinking my son prob isn't sleeping enough. He has one nap about 12 pm for 1-2 hours any suggestions ? He has blackout blind and curtains many thanks

[HenaV]

Hi there!

Your LO has a very long day at 13.5-14h especially if he's only napping for an hour. In the first instance I would suggesting cutting your LOs day down to a max of 13h. The frequent NW and short nights may well be on account of OT.

So perhaps try something like this:

WU: 6am
Nap:12-2pm
BT: 7pm (aim to be asleep)

If your LO has a nap of 1.5h or shorter I would EBT (say 6.30)

If with cutting the day time the NW a d short night persist, you may have to EBT say to a max 12h day to give your LO a chance to catch up.

What do you think?

[Buttonbobs]

Just hopping on to add some support and to back up Hena's suggestions. How're you getting on?

[Lauraemily84]

Thank u for the replys, I was thi king the later bedtime would mean he would wake later, only because we put him down at 7 pm and he woke at 5.15 am for the day!,, I'd like him to wake 6.30 am onwards ideally as I'm tiered by 3pm with him waking early, do you think an earlier bedtime will work? I'm never sure wat to do

[HenaV]

I think so. They are all different, but the numerous NW and short nights as you describe are usually OT. The later BT later WU theory in my experience is a bit if a fallacy. I would certainly give earlier BT a go and try it for at least a week - it may take a bit longer depending on how OT your LO has got iykwim?

H 

[chesterella]

I am having a very similar issue right now with my 18mo. He has been waking at 5:15am for the last 2 days AND refusing naps! I can't get him down for more than 45min a pop. He's certainly OT but I'm not sure how to kick it so I'm going to follow this thread and see how your LO makes out.
Hoping for the best!

[Lauraemily84]

Well he was refusing naps today he had about 20 mins then woke after taking ages to get him to sleep. Tonight it took 30 mins to get him to sleep. No doubt he will wake during the night 

[Buttonbobs]

There is an 18 month regression which affects some LOs, with nap refusals and EWs seeming quite common. Another thought is that your nap may be a bit early for your LO. Maybe try moving the nap a bit later, say 12.15/12.30 and see if WU follows. I agree with Hena though that most LOs will manage a 13 hr day on a good nap but a shorter 12 hr day after a shorter nap. Perhaps try an earlier BT and see if your LO can tack on to night sleep. Have you been trying a shorter day?