17 week old can't stay up v. long!

[Debi - James' Mama]

Dear all

Could anyone help me?

I am trying to implement the 4/4 routine with my 17 weel old ds.  I'm trying to do it how it says in the book ( 15 mins extra every up time every 3-4 days) but he doesn't seem to be able to stay up for longer than 1hr 30mins max!

Should i wait another couple of weeks and try again?

If i keep him up longer than the above time he only naps for 30-45 mins and then wakes up and won't go back to sleep!

He's usually quote good at naps and sleeps through the night (from 9 weeks thanks to BW).

Does anyone have any advise?

Thanks v. much in advance

Debi xox

[Jayri]

HI there, I thought I would try and help you out, what I founs helpful was to guide my lo I wake her and let her play, if she is tired, I will put her to bed, ad now she has preety much slipped into a 4/4 routine, it did take a while, about a month for me, I relaxed on trying it for a bit and then I looked at dh and realized she had begun to do it all on her wn. The main advise I ahve been given is as lon as you lo is able to settle themselves,and the feeds are a good time apart, all is well.
Check out the march/april posts, as some of us are still trying to extend our routines, some of the advise may help.
Good Luck!!!

[alligirl]

It might take a little longer, but you could try extendign the awake time by 5 minutes every three days instead of 15.  Or you could find a really fun (however not overstimulating) activity to keep your lo awake a little longer.  Like maybe going outside for a few minutes or playing peek-a-boo...something like that.  45 minute naps are fairly common at this age and I think if you stay consistent and get the awake times figured out, the naps will take care of themselves.

HTH!