Took sides off cot, send help

[sallyrhubarbbb]

Lord help me. My 2yr old climbed out of his cot, very nimbly, last night. I was almost impressed at the dexterity of it. Obviously, we have now taken the sides off so he doesn't dive head first and injure himself. But christ alive what sweet hell have we unleashed.

Typically he still naps for a good while during the day. No nap today as clearly it is far too much fun running around the bedroom like a lunatic. I naively thought that he would go straight down tonight as he is utterly shattered.

Nope.

Damian himself is running feral around his bedroom, screeching with laughter and having not a jot of sleeping.

Please, for the love of god, someone tell me how to get him the fuck to sleep.

Each time he gets out of bed put him firmly back in. The first few nights might be hard and you could probably do it 50! Times the first night but he'll soon get the message.

Agree with the above poster till you start doing then then you will have to live with it I'm afraid.

Put an extra tall baby gate across his bedroom door (usually the ones marketed for dogs are taller) and leave him to it.
The novelty will wear off.
Well..... hopefully.

This ⬆️. No eye contact. Calm non angry voice -"It's bedtime" and leave immediately. I remember sitting on the top step waiting for my then toddler to climb out of bed and then putting him straight back in over and over. Yes, it took time the first few nights but it worked.

That's pretty much what we have done. Huge baby gate across his door so he can't get out. He did eventually go down thankfully, and luckily seems to have been happy to go to bed for a nap today so hoping tonight isn't too painful.

Gosh this toddler stuff is hard work isn't it