That was EXACTLY how my son was up until recently! In fact, he went to bed even later...around 11:30. And I too, would try to put him down earlier, but, when I did, he was up many times a night, where as, if I stuck to the 11:30, he slept through the night beautifully! I remember feeling self conscious when other moms would talk about 7:30 bedtimes. When people would ask what time Nathan went down for the night, I felt like I had to have an explanation attached to it, because I would constantly get funny looks. It was working just fine for our family, but, I asked his pediatrician about it anyway and she assured me that it was perfectly normal! No two babies are alike. Just as they differ in personalities, they also differ in schedules and routines and the like. That is why it is frustrating when people come out with these books, insisting that there is one specific way to raise your child "properly". Alot of parents will read these books and do what I call "trying to fit a square peg into a round whole". Their baby is nothing like what is being described and so they feel like they have to try and make it work. And it's not because we parents are stupid or can't think for ourselves, but, because when you are a parent for the first time, you feel incredibly vulnerable and scared that you might screw up. But, just because our babies aren't doing what most babies do, doesn't mean that they aren't healthy and happy and have great lives. After that conversation with Nathan's Dr, she told me something very important...to try and relax and trust my instincts! And that helped me more than I can say. You are his mommy! You know him better than anyone else and you know what works for your family! So keep up the good work! At that age, they sleep on and off all the time anyway, so it is not so important that they have a "bedtime". It's not like they have school the next day. :) And it will gradually move up... Nathan is now 20 months old and he goes to bed between 9 and 9:30 now.... Still sleeps through the night, until around 8:30 and takes regular naps during the day! I'm sure by the time he's in school and his bedtime matters more, we will have been able to gradually move it up to where it needs to be! Until then, as long as your child is getting enough rest, that is all that matters. The specific time frame in which that rest takes place, is not important!!