My DS has just turned one. He's starting to sleep through tho may wake once anytime between midnight and 0530. He's generally awake between 0630 - 0730. Naps 3.5 - 4hrs after he wakes up in the AM, for 1 - 1.5 houra. He generally gets v tired around 4 - 4.30PM and used to sleep always for half an hour to an hour though now not always. We eat around 6.30 - 7 / 30 and he goes to bed around 8/30 (i keep meaning to try to make the whole tea / bedtime routine earlier). Any thoughts about what i should we do about the afternoon nap? Should i abandon it or start putting him in his cot again? I recently stopped putting him in his cot regularly in the PM as despite being tired if i put him in his cot he often won't then fall asleep for up to an hour (but will for example if we're in the car in the PM - and will only sometimes in the buggy). In the AM he will have his nap in the cot / buggy with no problem. Can't say with any conclusiveness whether PM nap affects nighttime sleep for better, worse or even at all.
I feel mean putting him in his cot at 4pm even if he's yawning / rubbing eyes / grumpy because he takes ages to fall asleep in the PM these days (which then delays supper). But if i keep him awake i have a grumpy child to manage (usually on my own) for 4 hours til he goes to bed. Maybe I shouldn't put him in his cot in the PM but let him sleep if we're out in the car? Can anyone tell me what's normal or even if there is a normal at this age?