Changing My 5-month-old to a 4-hour routine

[snubama]

Hi, I'm new to this board. I checked out the FAQ and couldn't find what I was looking for. So here it goes.
My son just turned 5 months today and we are on day 7 on the transition to a 4-hour routine. I have been following Tracy's transition schedule so far. The problem is, I had my son more on a 2 1/2 routine before because he was only taking 30-minute naps. He still only takes 30-minute naps, even though I do PU/PD during this transition time. He can take an hour-long nap in the morning though. He weighed almost 18lb at 4months and has gained even more weight since I introduced solids  at 4 months. (Not sure how much he weighs now, but he was always a big and tall guy). He can stay up well for the Activity time but he gets hungry during the sleep time. I have tried to give him solids at each feed now to see if it helps. But I still end up having to feed him (breast feed) during his sleep time. I then feed him the solids at the real Eat time. He also just doesn't seem to want to stay sleeping. He is happy when we're getting up. He is only crying because he has to stay in bed. He sleeps until 5 or 6am in the mornings and goes to bed between 7 and 7.30p. Should I really force the longer naps or could he just be happy with less sleep? And how do I coordinate his eating schedule then? Do I do a EAEAS? I really would like the more Y time, but I'm afraid I'm "torturing" him for no reason. Help please.

[rebecaq]

Hi there and welcome!!!

I think that 2.5 hour routine for a 5 month old is way too short.  I'm glad you're making the switch to 4 hour EASY 

If he seems happy with an EAEASY routine then go for it.  Just make sure he doesn't get overtired because that can lead to some yucky problems later. 

I know how desired Y time is, but some babies are more demanding than others and really take us for ride!  Hang in there and go with the flow of his routine.

I also think you could drop by the nap boards and see how they can help you to extend his naps a bit 
HTH

- Beca

[snubama]

Hi rebecaq

Thanks for the advice. I will do that. I did stop on the nap boards and I tried the W2S three times today. Didn't work. But I'll keep trying. He did stay awake for 2 1/2 hours at some point though. So I guess it's the right direction.

[rebecaq]

Each victory, whether small or large is a victory!!  Sounds to me like you said, it's the right direction!

 

- Beca

[mommyOFtwins]

HI

I'm on day 6 of implement EASy for my twin girls (5mos next week) and naps are the issue w/us also.  It seems they'll nap for approx. 45mins to an hour....anything longer is a result of pu/pd which i think they hate.  I'm now observing that if they wake up and are cranky still, they're just having problems getting back to sleep, BUT if they wake up after a short nap and are happy, i think they're fine.  I'm ready to call it quits on extending their naps...i figure when they are ready to nap longer they will.  I can't force them to close their eyes and i don't use the pu method when they are wide awake and playing quietly in the cribs.

My point...it looks like you're doing a GREAT job already and every baby is different and if he's happy and sleeping well and eating well, then perhaps he's not ready for a longer nap yet.