Well, first I think it is good that you already know that the long morning nap isn't an option, only because it is one thing ruled out and that's a good start.
I think having a plan, a good one, that you are comfortable with is the next good thing. If it doesn't work, make your changes slowly, one at a time, so that you can see what is working or not working!
Just some other random thoughts -
DS started walking at 11.5 months. Until he was about 14ish months, I still needed to tire him out for him to take an afternoon nap. I woke him from his morning nap, we had a snack and then went straight out the door. We walked to the park (made him walk!) , ran around for a good 45 minutes, and then walked home for lunch. Had lunch and then I had to play very physical indoor games (hide and seek, chase, tag, and so on) for another good 30 minutes before he was ready for his nap. I was nice and thin back then
Could be that some extra tiring activities will still help with the naps...hard I know in Ontario winter, but even a good hour in the snow might get you better naps in!
Teeth -- the teething process totally exhausts some LOs, mine one of them. A times are drastically decreased, like HUGE. Starts not with the cutting but with the shifting underneath the gums, before the swelling even starts. Something to keep in the back of your mind....maybe he's the same and needing MORE sleep than you are expecting. The bottom canines a few weeks ago got my DS back up to 14h nights and 2-3h naps
Not all are like this, not saying yours is but just something to keep in mind, perhaps. I also would not discount these NWs as not beeing teeth related, it is definitely common, and if pain meds are not working, you might find some teething gel does, as it works faster.
I do agree with Clare (clazzat) about feeding him if he is hungry, but at the same time, I know that I would not have it I were in that situation. It could be a case of trying to increase his food intake in the day - if he is eating adequately there is no need for an LO of his age to need a night/early morning feed, unless he's not getting enough in the day. The MPI could definitely be an issue -- what formula is he on? There is no harm at all in cutting his dairy out for a while - his formula will still have enough fat, calcium and so on if he is getting the right one for his age. If you do cut the dairy, you may not see results instantly, it can take a fair while so give it time.
If he is restless from 3-4, you can try W2S at 230ish.
When SA and teeth caused us NWs (still do, occasionally, and you are at an age for it!) I hauled out the spare duvets and slept on DS's floor from when he woke until proper morning time. Held his hand through the cot bars and so on. Sometimes pulled his mattress out onto the floor and pushed it against the wall and cuddled him back to sleep. The difference in that, and taking him to bed is that by going to him and not bringing him to me it doesn't send the same message to him. Not a solution that everyone is happy with, but again, throwing it out there.
That's all I can think of at the moment...hope something in there is useful
