Extending the lunchtime nap

[Dav01]

My 4 month old boy takes a 40 minute nap 4 times a day and I would quite like to change this to 2 longer naps instead. It would be great for him to have a longer lumchtime nap especially as he isn't refreshed after just 40 minutes. Does anyone have any tips to share for this or does it just come with age?

I had to do this with my DS and used the advice in the No Cry Sleep Solution, which is basically:

Go up to DS bedroom about 30 minutes into nap
Wait outside until you hear he's stirring
Go in and put your hand on his back/side/tummy, maybe make a few shush noises if that's what he's used to, dummy , whatever normally works
Wait till you know he's really gone back
Give it another 5 minutes for luck
Quietly creep out

Repeat this every day for a week or so.

A bit soul-destroying to begin with but it sorted my DS out and we haven't looked back since - turned 40 minute naps into 1.5-2hour ones. Admittedly he was probably about 8mo when I did it but I think it should work the same for a smaller baby.

Oh and worth taking a book to read outside the door if you are a fidgetty type, and an illuminated clock so you know how long you've been in there. I ended up in there for around 20-25 minutes each day which nearly killed me leaning over the cot but was worth it.

I used to put mine down for a nap at about 9am and then after lunch take them for a walk in the pram and eave them in the garden/kitchen (depending on the weather) in the pm
then if they only have 40 minutes at 9am they can catch up after lunch
but tbh regualr nas didn't really happen until they were on 3 meals a day which I think was about 7 - 9 months with mine
good luck