How much is too much naps at almost 11 months?

[Eythi]

DD used to take 3 naps per day till just last week.
Wake 6 or 6.30
nap1 - 7.30 to 8.30 (1 hr)
nap2 - 10.30 to 12.00 (1.5 hrs)
nap3 - 2.00 to 4.00 (2 hrs)
bed time - around 7 or 7.30

She has been fightinger her pm nap for the past 1 month so took away her nap1. She sleeps much better during the night now but still fights the pm nap!!

Current nap time
awake - 6.30 or 7.00 
nap1 - aim for 9 but sometimes she goes down by 8.30 and sleeps for 3 hours if i let her!!
nap2 - aim for 2 but usually sleeps around 2.30 or 3.00 - sleeps till 4 or 4.30
bedtime - around 7 or 7.30

She still dreamfeeds at 11 and wakes again around 5 to feed. She takes only 1 or 2oz both times so i'm thinking of stopping the dreamfeed as well. Tried last night... around 11 when she started to wake i gave her a bit of water and paci... she just wont sattle down til i give her the bottle... maybe i'll slowly increase the water.

Sorry about the blabbering.
Just want to check if her naps seems ok?

[jess, lukeys_mom]

Hi there 

Two naps is definitely normal for her age and 3 is on the high side. At her age she is approaching the time when she will naturally switch to only one nap, so that probably explains why you can get that 3 hour nap in the morning if you let her. As you implied though, I would not let her at this point until she switches to only 1 nap, so you can help her get a longer pm nap.

Have you read this faq? There is some good info in there that might help explain her naps at this point: http://babywhispererforums.com/index.php?topic=95670.0

In terms of the dreamfeed, Tracy felt that after 7 months or so, this starts to interfere with night sleep. So yes, I would definitely wean that too. After 9 months or so there shouldn't be any reason for night feeds with most babies anyway, so it is probably a waking/feeding habit. At her age it's good to get her 11-12 hours of solid night sleep without wakings to drink. You could probably use the extra sleep too since you've been waking in the night for so long 

HTH 

[Eythi]

thanx for the reply.

yes i did read the faq. Trouble is none of the LO seems to take 3 naps at this age. My DD still seems to be struggling the the switch to 2 naps. Days like today she cant stay awake till 9. So went down for a nap at 8. so i know its gonna be a 3 nap day. but then i also know she will fight her pm nap. i cant keep her awake from 12 to betime cuz then she will be OT. hmmm still not sure how to handle this. :-(

[jess, lukeys_mom]

Do you get her dressed when she wakes up? What is your activity like? I think you need to do something to stretch out her morning A time. Fresh air often does a world of good. If she sleeps in the stroller, don't walk around, but maybe you could sit outside for a bit, or take a walk with you holding her?

I also think that her need for more day sleep, especially in the am, has to do with not getting enough sleep at night  If I were you I would work on cutting out at least one of those night feeds for now (I'd suggest taking the DF away). You might have a hard week and will probably have to do some sleep training but it will be worth it for you both.

[Eythi]

thanx..
yes i do get her dresses.. she has a bottle when she wakes.. around 7. Then we go out at 7.30 for a ride (small country small population.. roads are almost empty so yes rides are pretty safe). We usually go near the beach or visit my mom. we come home around 8 or 8.15. Then have breakfast.

Past two night have tried to cut out the DF but she just wont settle down. Not with water. Not with dummy. And when i she manages to sleep she's up in 5 mins!!!! Last night however she did not feed at 5 yayyyy!! So i guess its gonna be more of a gradual thing.