Extend A time?

[becky1969]

Oh dear.  I'm so sorry that things are going a bit wonky again!

That AM nap is interesting. It's longer than 1 sleep cycle, but not quite 2.  I don't think I'd worry about it too much.  the thing is, I think 2nd nap is OT -- it's about 40 minutes.  My guess is that since 1st nap is shorter than ideal that he's perhaps a bit too tired by 2nd nap using the 2h15 A time.  At this age we see anywhere from 2h to 2h15 (and at early 5 months, I'd probably lean towards 2h).  Also, some kids need to vary their A time during the day.  For instance, my son ALWAYS needed a short A time in the AM but longer in the PM.  Other kids are the opposite.  Your son is getting a lovely 12 hour night so can handle the 2h15 first thing in the AM, but needs a bit shorter perhaps befor 2nd nap.  The catnap isn't bad either.  We want a 30-45 minute catnap, so that seems OK to me.  Perhaps a little on the short side, but not enough to worry about.

So, to me, the only thing you need to worry about is that 2nd nap timing.  I'd leave the rest of your A times the same and just focus on shortening that 2nd A time and see if that gets you anywhere.  You need to try the SAME A time for 3 days in a row before deciding it's not working.  Some kids have a stronger body clock than others and don't respond immediately to a change in A time.

 

[yellow rose]

A bit wonky is an understatement! 
Thanks for the advice.  I will try to shorten the 2nd A time as you suggested and stick to that routine for a few days.  That is one thing I have not been doing...I've tried a different amount of A time, but only once or twice and not really given him a chance to work it out.  I'll let you know how things go.

[yellow rose]

I thought it might be helpful for me if I posted his routine over the next few days as we continue to try to work this out.  Maybe you could look at it each day and let me know what you think.  Like I said, I am just not thinking clearly right now.  My dear mother-in-law has passed away and the stress of that on top of a non-sleeping baby is just a bit much right now.  Thank God our toddler loves his sleep!!!     So, here is today so far:

wake and eat 7:15 (woo hoo!!!!) - he whimpered a little at 6:15, but went back to sleep
A
S 9:20 - 11:15, but he woke at the 30 minute point, crying, and fussed off and on throughout entire "nap"
E 11:20
A
S 1:10 - 1:40, fussed off an on, but has been "talking" to himself for almost an hour now, still in his crib
This is the first time he has EVER woken without crying.  He never talks to himself, always cries.
This is where we are currently.  So, little sleep has been had again!

[becky1969]

You know, the fussing on and off thru nap sounds like teeth to me.  Any sign of teeth?

[yellow rose]

I can feel something on his bottom gum, but I have tried both Orajel and Tylenol when I have thought it might help, but no change. 
I think he got a total of 2 hours of sleep all day, if that.  Ugh!

[becky1969]

Orajel doesn't do anything, if you ask me! Try it on yourself -- the numbing lasts 5 minutes at most! Tylenol is often less effective than Motrin, as well.  It doesn't last as long and Motrin is an anti-inflammatory which may help with teething pain.

Can you give Motrin to a 5 month old?  Ican't remember.  Is it 6 months before you can give Motrin?

[yellow rose]

Hmmm...I don't know.  I'll have to look into that.  I'll post today's routine later and we'll see how he does.  Tomorrow, he will be with a sitter all day because we will be at the funeral, so tomorrow probably won't be a good day to judge things.

[yellow rose]

Are you ready for this one?   

woke at 6:45
E 7:15
A
S 9:00 - 11:00!!!!!!!!!!!!  Woo hoo!!!!!  He did wake at 9:30, but cried for literally a second and was asleep again from then on
E 11:15
A
S 1:10 - 2:00 I think he was undertired here.  A time was only 2 hrs. 10 mins.  What do you think?
E 3:15
A
This is where we are so far.  A much more peaceful and restful day by far!
I think I may have figured one thing out that may have been messing him up, but not sure.  I usually hear him in the morning fussing for a little bit, but then he gets quiet for another half hour or so and then begins to cry.  I have been considering the time that he cries to be his wake time, rather than the first time I heard him.  I always thought he went back to sleep, but maybe he doesn't and by me not realizing that, I am actually keep him awake way too long in the A.M.  I could be wrong about this and tomorrow could all be a flop, but I'm wondering if it's a possibility.

[becky1969]

That sounds like a distinct possibility!

It's hard to say about 2nd sleep period.  You'll probably have to keep A time the same a couple more days to be sure.  But lengthening nap #1 gives you a little more leeway because he doesn't start the day out exhausted!