Alex, how are things getting on for your friend? I meant to post on this, and forgot it when it moved to page 2
. Anyway, looks like you got some good advice. I second the suggestion to have her move feedings to 3-3.5 hours to start with, and from there work in 15 min increments over 4 days to a 4 hr routine. Just have her do activities to distract him during this transition time. He won't starve, it will just be a few days, and he should actually eat better with his meals more spaced out. Do you know what his solids intake is like? It might help him with the more spaced out feedings if she gives the bottle/breast followed by solids 1-1.5 hrs later. That way he's not all of the sudden waiting so long for his food.
I think with a more stable feeding schedule, his naps will fall into place. Have you been able to explain to her about watching for sleep cues? With a spirited baby, I understand it can be difficult, because they almost look hyper and excited when they are actually exhausted. For that reason, she may want to go by the clock. Have her keep a journal for a few days to see if she can track any consistancies. I'd say at 8 mos, he would probably have A times of 1.75-2.25 in the morning, 2-2.25 after the first nap, and then may or may not take a catnap. However, while adjusting his sleeping schedules, he may need a catnap to make it through the transitions. Oh, my first suggestions was supposed to be have a consistant wake time from which to work.
She'll probably need to read the book to best understand Tracy's methods on sleep training, b/c he will probably need it. For a spirited baby, I don't know if pu/pd will work (which is what I would normally suggest), but if you'd like we can get some more info on other techniques.
