5 month old

[Nauvoo]

Once upon a time I had a handle on naps but that has been gone for about 2-3 weeks now.  I'm feeling pretty lost.  I can almost always get a long nap each day (usually afternoon) I think out of pure exhaustion. I know that if I've had 2 short naps then that 3rd nap will be long no matter the A time. (my own little bit of sanity)
Our routine today:
wake 6:15
S 8:30 -9:00
S 11:20 - 11:50 (out and about)
S 2:00-3:30
S 5:30 - 6:00 (AP'd)
Bed 7:45

The day before was:
Wake 6:15
S 8:30 - 10:10
S 12:40 - 1:15
S 3:30 - 4:00
Bed 7:20

I really don't know what A time I should work around after long or short naps. I've been using 2hr15min for first A time but this is getting me mixed results.  I have tried to use sleep cues and they get me a 45 min nap for nap #1 and 30min naps any other time.  They seem to be unreliable in most cases.  But the used to be very reliable. 
For some reason I am finding it impossible to guide myself through this even with keeping a good sleep log for quite some time now.  I can't decipher it all!!!!

[creations]

Hi there
It was roughly the same age that my LOs naps went off track too (for us it was around 4 months or just under that it went off and 5.5 months when I saw a marked improvement).  Sleepy cues are unreliable at this age so although you should still observe LOs needs you also need to keep an eye on the clock (as you are doing).  The sleepy signs might actually now be a clue that he needs a change of scene or a different activity for a period of time rather than a nap.  Take into consideration too the amount of stimulation during any one A time.  My DS could handle a very long first A time because we were at home, his afternoon A times were significantly shorter due to higher level of stimulation being out and about at play group etc and also taking shorter naps then.

There is a developmental stage where naps are often not so great and you're in it right now.  Often this improves around 6 months (my DS was 13 days late so in effect his nap improvement at 5.5 months was bang on time!) so long as there is also a relatively consistent routine so try not to get too stressed by it.

There is nothing obvious leaping out at me about your EASY times so I would ride it out for another few weeks, just keeping things consistent.  He's already at the upper end of guidance A times but if you think he is handling it well you might try an extra 10 or 15 mins for a few days.  The risk is a short OT nap but you're getting a short nap anyway so maybe no loss?  The possible upside could be an improved nap length (even on the days it is longer it could be longer still).

hth

[Nauvoo]

thanks so much creations.   Your reply at least helps me get a better look on things.  I might just try bumping up about 15min and see where it gets us.  Oddly enough I've been hesitant to do this because of an OT nap but like you said, I'm getting it anyways!

[creations]

Hope it works for you.  Remember not to judge on one day alone though, it will take a few days for LO to adjust to an increase.

good luck x

[Nauvoo]

It's as if DD knew I wanted her to take better naps.  Today was picture perfect
Wake 6:45
S 9:00-10:30
S 1:00-2:30
S 5:00-5:30
Bed 7:45
Here's hoping we get a good wake up tomorrow.

[creations]

Wow!  Wonderful!