in an OT mess...where to begin?

[nursemeg01]

My 11 mo started the 2:1 transition at 9 months. She would consistently refuse the PM nap. I had some luck  narrowing the AM nap to 45 minutes but now that is not working. I would shorten the AM to 30 min but we have a few more issues that are making me wonder if that is the best decision.

She is teething and now spends her PM nap trying to stand in the crib (she's trying to figure out how to walk) and chewing on the rail. She ends up OT and can't fall asleep. We also traveled cross country and I'm sure she was OT from this and the time change (it was 2 weeks ago). During our trip she developed an ear infection and is on day 7 of antibiotics but she and I both have colds right now. Needless to say we're a mess. She's having NW and EW which she has not done in a LONG time and I'm sure it is because of the illness, teeth, and OT. So what do I do?

I've been trying to let her get as much AM sleep as possible because I know she needs the sleep. With the EW, she wakes from her 1st nap around 11:30 (S-1.5h) and so ideally she should be tired enough for a 2nd nap but she still is refusing the PM nap. I don't know if I should limit the AM nap and aim for a better PM nap but my fear is that she'll refuse it still and really end up OT with everything else going on. Any idea would be most appreciated. I feel so bad for her!!!

[~*Nicole*~]

I'd say the illness is almost cleared, by day 7 of antibiotics she's likely alright. You can give meds for teething pain before sleeps....and OT can't be combated if she's refusing that second nap. Then her A to bed is probably too long, even if you're doing an earlier bedtime. So, I'd do pain meds. about 30 mins. prior to sleep. Try to shorten that first nap and work on finding a good A time so she'll settle for a good afternoon nap. Then get her back to her normal bedtime. If she still refuses....do you think she'd take her morning nap even earlier than usual b/c of the EW? Maybe if it is earlier and still the normal 45 mins. she'd take the pm nap??? I just think with all that is going on, she needs a good day or two of good naps to help get her back on track.

Can you APOP a second nap? In the car/stroller? Then maybe you could continue letting her sleep as long as she will in the morning and try to APOP a catnap so you can get to bedtime with a less OT LO. Then maybe the EW will drop.

OH and also consider some dream meds. (maybe near 3 or 4am or so) if teething is really bothering her. That might get her over the EW hump as well b/c discomfort won't wake her.