We still have our own sleep problems, but I have gotten a lot of help from the Weissbluth book. Yes, he does advocate the CIO method but we have used his methods for co-sleeping instead. I have particularily gotten a lot of help from the timing of sleep that he discusses. If I recall correctly, his book does discuss the science behind the circadian rhythm of baby's sleep (ie, when it's easiest for baby's to fall asleep and stay asleep).
Our kids are the same age so they need 2 naps a day now. One in the morning around 9 am (or 1-3 hours after awaking) and one in the early afternoon around 1 pm (2-3 hours after waking from the morning nap). And of course you use the kiddos cues for sleepiness during these times. The naps should be 1-2 hours long (less than 45 min is rarely refreshing for this age and longer than 2 hours can interfer with the next nap or bedtime).
My son is very difficult to get to go to sleep (nearly impossible if he is overtired). So for the first nap we make it one hour after awaking. Basically he gets up has breakfast and goes back to bed. All still groggy. This is one of the recommendations of kids that were previously colicky.
Bed time is recommended as between 6-8 pm and wake up time is 6-8 am. Anything before 6 am is considered a night waking.
So while that didn't directly answer your question. I was thinking that maybe using those times during the day where it's "easier" for kids to fall asleep and stay asleep might help. Actually, I have no clue....I'm a newbie mom and am just quoting from a book!
