prolonging naps -- questions

[tealy]

I started transitioning my 15 wk old LO from a 2-hour to a 3.5 hour EASY yesterday and it's going fairly well. I have hardly any problems prolonging the morning nap but today, for the second nap, I went in at 40 minutes and she had already woken herself up a bit so I had missed the window to catch her before she stirred. I tried to get her back to sleep for 40 minutes using ssh/pat and she would drift in and out but never stayed asleep for longer than 5 minutes. It got to her next feeding time so I just gave up on napping and fed her, figuring she wouldn't stay asleep if she is hungry, especially since this is only Day 2 of the transition from eating every 2 hours to every 3.5. Should I have kept trying to get her back to sleep, or do you always stick to the feeding schedule? How do I tell when to give up on gettiing her to nap longer?

If I can't extend the second nap should I try to extend the afternoon nap from 45 to 1.5 hours?

Thanks for your help! 

[courtneyandmiles]

Most important is keeping to EASY every day, no matter what she does.  It sounds like her naps are off b/c she's adjusting to her new EASY routine.  She'll get the hang of it, but she needs to experience the consistency of her new routine before she can go with it.  It's good that you tried to get her back to sleep, and you kept her in bed for her whole nap, but also keep to the feeding times as much as possible.  She needs consistency now more than ever, since her EASY is changing.

If I can't extend the second nap should I try to extend the afternoon nap from 45 to 1.5 hours?

Are you talking about the afternoon catnap?  I can't remember how many naps at that age, but I would stick to Tracy's recommended nap window. I wouldn't extend the catnap, b/c she'll want to keep it that way.  If she's still tired after her catnpa, just put her to bed early.

-court

[Zoey]

Hi there.

When transitioning routines you can encouter troubles with naps.  It is normal.  You want to stick with the new feed times, and let everything else fall in around them.

If the PM nap is short - your can try pat/shh for 40 mins, or sleep, OR until the next feed is due.  I would also wake her at the feed time even if she has only been asleep for a shot time.  That way you are helping her get used to the new schedule.

I wouldn't extend a catnap - I would however move bedtime up a little to accomadate her being sleepier then usual, when she is. 

I hope this helps!
Zoey