Question about crate training?

Sounds like you're handling it perfectly. As long as the puppy treats the crate as a sanctuary where he can sleep and find peace and quiet, then it's perfect. Puppies have small bladders and if you can let them out after a nap to go potty, it's usually best. I would work on teaching your lab to leave the puppy alone. He needs to learn boundaries as well. Eventually the springer will be able to tell him in doggy terms that he wants to be left alone.