I wrote previously in another board about our 6mo waking (then 5mo) at night for 3hours (from 1-4 or 2-5AM - and this has been happening off and on since she was 4mo except back then it was only for 2hours at a time). Around 5mo she also started waking for the day at 4AM or 5AM (when it had previously been 6:30 or 7AM).
As her awake time increased to 2.5, the day has started earlier and ended later, so it was suggested that we try the transition to 2 naps, so we have done this twice now for three days each. The first day usually goes okay despite her seeming WAY tired before naps and at the regular catnap time (around 5PM), but by day 3 everything unravels including night sleep. Mostly, she seems soooo tired before every nap/bedtime that it does not feel right. It's like she does better with a 2.5 awake time the first part of the day, but then there is not time for an early third nap and her night sleep is too late/wakes early.
Here is the schedule on 2 naps (usually 2.5/2.5/2.5/3)
6AM wakeup
8:30 nap 1 - usually I have to wake her at 10 to fit in the third nap
12:30 nap 2 - usually I have to wake her at 2 to fit in the third nap
4:30 nap 3 - 30min catnap - Used to happen on me at park, but has been sliding to 5PM and sometimes can't make it happen unless in her swing at home , which is really hard on our older toddler who really needs to run around at the park.
8PM bedtime (we try earlier but this waketime sweet spot is 2hr50min)
Sometimes sleeps with only 2 wakeups, sometimes up from 1-5.
Here is the schedule on 2 naps (usually 3/3/3.25-3.5):
6AM wakeup
9 nap 1 til 11 (2hrs)
2 nap 2 til 3:30 or so
we aim for 6:45 bedtime but it usually ends up being 7.
First few nights sleeps great (2 wakeups), then by third night up every few hours in early part of night.
Of course this coincides with two new teeth and introduction to solids (otherwise EBF) and she has been a bit constipated so I don't know what's what anymore. I would be MOST grateful for any advice. Is the long night waking because she's OT? Should I shorten her naps even more on 3 naps?
Thank you!