tweaking 4 hr EASY, suggestions please

[tigerlilly905]

I’m pretty sure my 14 week old is ready to drop his CN, but he’s younger then some of the sample EASY’s that do not have a CN, and I’m looking for some guidelines and suggestions to be sure he makes it to bed time without being OT or hungry. 

He transitioned himself very quickly to the 4 hour EASY by 12 weeks (he’s a big boy – 18 lbs).  Now his tired ques are coming later and later, extending his “A” time… and totally backing up his CN so it’s interfering with going to bed.  Also, he’s just started waking earlier (approx 4:30 – 5am) Shh/pat gets him to go back to sleep until 7am, but I’m thinking this could be a sign as well. 

He usually sleeps 7:30pm – 7am (with a D/F @ 11) He is EBF and has not started solids.  Our usual day is the “textbook” 4 hour EASY starting at 7am.  I want to make sure he’s getting enough day sleep and feeds so as to not disrupt his night sleep.  Any suggestions on how I can modify his routine without the CN and be consistent with his sleep/feeds would be greatly appreciated. Also, if it helps, my ds is touchy/textbook. 

[lilisuze]

the best way to drop the catnap is to first reduce the length of it. I think we had it down to about 15-20 minutes for about 2 weeks then dropped it completely. It was about 5.30pm

So am I right you have naps at about 9.30 and 1.30 otherwise than that?

When you first drop the CN, the gap between the last wake up and bed seems hopelessly long, but gradually with a couple of 10min A time extensions, you can get to a nice mid morning and mid afternoon sleep.....

Lilixx

[tigerlilly905]

Great, thank you!  He was having his naps at 9am and 1pm (2 hrs each) and the 45 min CN, lately he's been pushing his A time so naps are falling around the 9:30 until 11:30 and 1:30/2:00 until 3:30/4:00 mark instead.  I will try shortening the CN and see if that helps in the evening.

Also, for his E, should I keep them as close to the 4hr/4.5hr mark as possible?  Since he isn't on solids yet, we aren't at the EAEAS stage yet for all cycles.  I'm assuming when he does drop the CN it will be more of a EAEAS at the end of the day?

Thank you again!  Much appreciated

~Rebecca

[lilisuze]

yes it would be EAEAS at the end of the day