Question about Toddler Naps, Changing Schedules, etc (LONG)

Jordan is 19 months old. He was still taking a second later afternoon/early evening nap most days up until the summer. Then, we were up in NY, all over the place, and he got used to one nap - which was never at a regular time. He also went to bed a lot later and slept in.
Now, we're back at work and back to him being woken up around 6:40. He takes a good nap at the babysitter but could definitely still take a second nap. Here's the catch - DH is a firefighter and doesn't work every day. So, Jordan does not need to wake up super early every day (if he is home with DH that day.) So, the days that he is going to babysitter next day, I don't give second nap because I want him sleeping for the night by 7-7:15 because he wakes up so early the next day. But, when he's going to be home with DH the next day, or it's the weekend, I will give him the 2nd nap still because he still really needs it. He'll go to sleep a bit later and sleep in a bit the next morning. Still with me?

So, I just don't know if this is the right thing to do, having his sched all over the place (depending on the day.) He is pretty flexible with this and seems to go with the flow just fine, but I don't know if this is "messing him up" somehow.

Guess I'm just looking for some advice or insight. Or some thoughts from people who also have flexible work scheds/different sched for toddler.

Thanks!!!!

Re: Question about Toddler Naps, Changing Schedules, etc (LONG)

That's tough. With kate (17 months) I find even if she skips an afternoon nap, we still put her down the same time for bed. She needs the routine, kwim? She's all over the place with when she wakes up too. There is no rhyme or reason with her sleep pattern.

Re: Question about Toddler Naps, Changing Schedules, etc (LONG)

Honestly, I think it depends on the child! I was always able to skip naps with both my kids and play around with their bed times for vacations and they were both fine to go back to their regular schedules, eventually. With DS1, he was fine the next day as if he never "got off" his schedule. With DS2, it often took as long as a week but he eventually got back to his regular sleeping schedule.
You will be fine!

Re: Question about Toddler Naps, Changing Schedules, etc (LONG)

If it works for DS and your family, why would there be anything wrong with it? I will say that at 14 months, Jake started taking one nap a day. It actually made him more scheduled with his night sleep (8-7). I like schedules though so I don't mind. How late does he wake the mornings your DH has him?

Re: Question about Toddler Naps, Changing Schedules, etc (LONG)