When does nap extension finally stick?

[Charlotte07]

I've recently had some success when it comes to extending my 8 month LO's 30 minute naps. I can extend at least one a day, and she takes a few longer naps on her own now, but nothing I can count on.
I was just wondering how long it will take for her to learn to sleep longer on her own and not rely on the shushing or patting? In the BW Solves All Your Problems book I read that it's about a week, but I've been working on extending for a good 2 weeks now. Does anyone have personal experience with this?
I recall reading that one mom said it was 6 weeks for her. Yikes  !!!

Also, I've noticed that she will nap longer if she falls asleep on her tummy. Should I flip her over if she falls asleep on her back, or will this just upset her.

Thanks,

Charlotte

[nwmm]

I never like responding to stuff like this because I don't want to discourage *anyone.*  It took me a realllly long time.  It was a pain, but when you go from a baby who sleeps like 20 minutes to longer on some days it was worth it.

I thought there was a thread awhile back on this.  I stopped trying to figure out if I was the one who it took the longest.  I stopped reading it pretty early on as well because I assumed I was. 

I even posted something like your same question and I began to think it was just me or my little one.

All I can say it try it if you can.  My lo has finally become a decent napper many days.  My friends kind of chuckle at it because it took her a long time to learn, but it worked.  AND, I can attribute it all to the BW!!! 

[malialeanne]

If we could all do it as perfectly and intuitively as Tracy it would probably take a week or two, but for most people it does take much longer. For us it probably took 6 weeks for her to do most naps on her own. Yes, it was a long time, but we had some success early after 2 or 3 weeks when she started having some better naps and it started taking less and less time patting to get her back to sleep at that 45 min point, so that kept us going.

I guess the longer naps didn't really *stick* though, until we got A times right, and she'll still have a short nap every now and then if her A times need tweaking again.

I agree with pp, it was worth it to me to extend those naps, get some Y time during the day, and keep her on her routine.

[Charlotte07]

Thanks so much for the encouragement. I will continue on my quest. Most days, when I start patting right when she stirs, it takes only 30 seconds to get back to sleep, so I'm definitely seeing improvement. And, like I said, she has taken quite a few longer naps, which gives me hope.

[Cornish smiler]

Keep going with it Charlotte, I'm only now starting to see some results after the best part of 6 weeks I'd say working on Sam's naps.  The other day he napped for 2 hours and I was thrilled as he regularly only used to do 20 minutes.  You will get there, just be consistent and keep smiling!!!

Ali