After trying the gradual withdrawal technique I am hugely grateful to have an 8 month old DD who quite reliably (touch wood) sleeps through. I feel extremely lucky in this respect, after 6 months of terrible nights I am fully appreciating a good nights sleep!
However, naps are almost non existent and I am wondering if anyone can share some wisdom with me. DD has always been a cat napper - 30 minutes average. However, now naps are around 20 minutes long and she is only taking two a day (used to be four) - leaving us both shattered.
Our 'routine' at present:
8am : Wakes, 7oz milk
9am: Breakfast, porridge with any milk left from bottle/ cow's milk
10.30: may offer little snack (solids)
11: Nap, 20 minutes, prompted by tired signs
12.30: Lunch, BLW lasts nights dinner- incl. protein - she eats well
2.30: Nap, 20 minutes, prompted by tired signs
3: Bottle 7oz and solid snack if interested
5.30: Tea, BLW sandwich/ pitta bread and veg
6.30: Bath followed by bottle, 7oz offered but drinks 5/6
7: asleep until morning (will cry out in night but self settles)
I used to put her down for her morning nap two hours after waking, but she began to really fight this so it seemed best to wait and watch carefully for tired signs - when she did fall asleep earlier it was still a short nap.
With so much of her sleep at night I know she is unlikely to need a lot in the day, but at the moment she seems constantly exhausted and I'd love to try and help her if anyone has any suggestions on how I might improve her day times?
Sorry this is so boringly long, I wanted to include everything that might possibly be of use and realise I am clutching at straws here!
TIA