Hi hon, so sorry it's taken me so long to respond, we've not been in our regular routine this week and it's throwing me off!
He can somewhat replug his paci if he can find it but he still hasn't been able to search for it effectively yet. I don't think its a prop however bc he will spit it out right when he falls into that deep sleep and doesn't want it after nursing to sleep at night. Ive tried to replug it when I go in to check on him if its out but he refuses so I don't think he needs it to stay asleep, just to fall asleep for naps and to resettle.
I don't know for sure, but I think if he needs it to fall asleep and resettle, there's a chance it could be a prop. If he needed it only to fall asleep, but not resettle then I would think it's not. Just food for thought. I do think it's worth practicing with him to get him to replug himself and then put a bunch in his crib and start guiding him to them at night, so he can start to do that part himself.
Should I try getting DS on a consistent wake up time to get a better routine? Even if his night time sleep was wonky? Or should I just let him sleep?
I would at least try to keep it within a 30min range. So, if he naturally wakes between 6:30 & 7, I wouldn't let him sleep much last 7:15/30, at the latest, if he's had a rough night.
Maybe I need a refresher on w2s....do I resettle after he's up or should I try and catch it before he's awake...when he's starting to fidget?
It can work a few different ways, but at this age I'd try to get to him before he fidgets and stir him a bit to cause a new sleep cycle to start. If he typically naps 30min I'd go in around 24/25min. Here's a great link on w2s:
As for the latest EASY, do you think his 30min naps could be UT? After a 2hr (short) A time, he did a 30min nap, but as the day went on they got a bit longer and after a 3hr A time (quite long after a short nap), he did a 45min nap. I'd keep pushing that first A time and working on w2s/resettling if possible. He should be getting to the age of coming out of the short naps, if there isn't a prop issue and you've got the right A time.