Ooh, lots to catch up on. Let me try to answer a few of these questions as I read through
Now he is sleeping so much better we can try and get a set routine in place.
I really do recommend moving directly to set nap and BT, LOs seem to do much better on set times after 12 months.
I'd start with exactly where you are now, nap at 1.45pm and BT whatever it is you're doing (sorry I'm not on the right page to check back your EASY times. Pick whatever is the normal time for BT and stick there). The A times either side do not need to be even at all, mine did a huge first A time and very short second A time. Some do better on shorter first A and longer second A...so start with what you have regardless of the A times because it's working pretty well (and any previous suggestions regarding capping or shifting nap take as it being the 1.45 nap and set BT - hope that makes sense).
Some days he has happily taken a 2hr nap after 5hrs A, but then yesterday after his short night he bounced around looking ut after A of 6.5hrs! perhaps it was second wind instead...
I wouldn't change anything based on one day, if he consistently refuses, bounces, short naps or anything else which disturbs sleep then it's time to tweak.
We'll move completely out of sight for tomorrow's nap and then we thought we would shut the door a couple of days after that. Does that sound sensible?
Sounds like a plan. Remember with things like needing to stand up instead of sit, it's fine to do that to reassure...and then sit back down. He is not the one in control of where you are, you are. He will understand now that when he needs you you will come but that he doesn't get to dictate where you are. You're all doing great
Slightly off topic, but have you any tips for the clocks changing? As we don't have set times quite there yet and J happily does long A times we are considering cold turkey - just waking him at the usual time (so a short night), letting him go to nap slightly early and then the same at bt depending how he looks. Complete madness or might it just work?
Personally I wouldn't move 1hr in one go but some people do. My 5yo still finds it hard to shift an entire hour in one go. Last clock change I forgot to do a 30 min change the day before (bad mother!) resulting in OT night screaming. It was only a couple of bad nights but I'd rather avoid it.
At your DS's age I would likely do a 15 min change each day for 4 days to achieve the hour. Write down the times for everything (meals, naps and BT) to keep to your changes. or do 30 min change hold for a second day then another 30 min change.
Now please tell me that the yellow, plastic dumper truck currently grasped tightly in his tiny, sleeping hand is not going to be his one true lovey
Very funny
There was a night mine was screaming for a spanner in his sleep, he didn't stop until I put the spanner in his hand, I took a photo of him holding it of course. He was about 3yo then.
I have just sat with cake and tea watching my little boy go to sleep on the monitor!
Wow Wow Wow!!!! Wonderful!!!!
Oh goodness, what a lovely feeling I got reading that
What a contrast to walking him up and down, up and down!
Really pleased for you and I hope you enjoyed that cake.
We'd be really grateful for advice on getting the routine right, bringing his day forward and dealing with clock changes.
clock change covered above. Set naps (do it now) covered above.
Changing routine in readiness for nursery I would leave for now. Wait until you are past the clock change, past your trip.
If you find the routine right off and you need a "getting back on track" thread after your trip I would suggest you use that as a good opportunity to change the routine. Don't worry if you don't want to change it then, you can do it much close to September, no problem, it isn't going to take long so really it's kind of down to when you want to do it.
Also, we go away in just over 3 weeks.
I wouldn't bother using the travel cot at home or doing a trial run at granny's. When you go away he is going to know he is in a different place, reassure him, be prepared to help him more if needed, do not worry at all about props or going backwards with what you have achieved. When you come home do not continue the props just go right back to how you are now, eating cake, drinking tea and responding when needed. He will know he is back at home and home rules apply.
Beloved dumper truck is in hand - now how do I cut that into pieces for first day at nursery???
Goodness me, you're testing my creativity there aren't you
Erm...dump truck wheel key ring attached to his book bag
