Need some encouragement for short napper, losing hope!

[Tabathagucci]

My 14 WO takes consistent 30 minute naps regardless of awake time (unless way too long then will WU at 20 mns). I am sometimes able to extend, but more not able to. Please someone tell me that they get better at transitioning themselves through the jolts and arousals??? I will continue to try to NE but for crying out loud does it et easier?

He STTN 7:30 to 4 or 5 am no problem and we can PD at bedtime awake, do minor soothing and he puts himself to sleep I feel like if I don't teach him how to transition through arousals for nap time he'll lose the ability to do it at night too.

Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated! Or any success stories of babies like mine.

[*Ali*]

It does get better. My ds1 was a chronic 45min napped and I've had to wake him from most naps since 6mo.
Have you tried going in just before he wakes and holding through the jolts (httj)? Or wake to sleep?

[Tabathagucci]

Good to know it gets better!  I have tried w2s, doesn't work, pat shush sometimes works but sometimes annoys him and httj sometimes works, but I have to do this from the 30 min mark thru 45 mins and it extends the nap to about an hour and 20 mins.  A lot of work and it only works sometimes!

[*Ali*]

I think he does need to just learn to transition. If you can help him it might happen quicker but don't stress over it. If my ds2 short naps and I cannot extend I just reduce the following A time accordingly.

[Maxdrewe]

We had the same problem- it took time for me to work out his A and that was the key for us. I found short naps were UT for my LO regardless of when he woke. We got there but then something else comes along and messes it up. You will get there, I found it bothered me more than him!!

[Tabathagucci]

I seriously have tried every imaginable wake time from 1 hour to 1 hr and 15, then 20, then 30.  How long do I need to trybone awake time before I know it's not right?  Then I spend the day watching the clock, which makes me super anxious.
I am also trying to help him transition but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't.  I thought it was the type of thing you do for a few days and he gets less dependent each day, but doesnt seem like that is happening.
So the big question is, what if I can never get him to transition will he eventually figure it out on his own?

[*Ali*]

Most do figure it out yes. Some take a few days and some a few months unfortunately. If he always short naps just reduce the A time afterwards and work around it that way.

[Tabathagucci]

Ok, thanks!  If he naps 30 mins, how much would you recommend reducing the A time?  Current A time is 1:15 for the morning and 1:20-1:30 the rest of the day.

[*Kara*]

Generally best to reduce by 20 mins or so

[*Ali*]

But of course also watch his cues and don't be afraid to put him down earlier or later if he seems tired or not so much.

[Tabathagucci]

His cues are so hard to read!  Either that or I am really bad at reading them!  He gets really fussy around the 45 minute mark of awake time, but I know that's way too early to start winding down.   Maybe I need to try 1.5 hours for a few days and see how it works?

[*Ali*]

Yes you can go by the clock if you find that easier. I know what you mean about the cues. Sometimes by the time I notice them it is too late and my DS2 is OT. So maybe try 1.5hrs after a good nap and reduce to 1hr10 or so after a short nap of 45mins or less?

[ariesmom]

It gets better. Our bub was famous for the 20, 30, 45 minute nap and now at 8 mos she does a 1.5 or 2 hr am nap and a 1 or 1.5 hr pm nap!

[Tabathagucci]

Good to know ladies, thx so much!