3 year old DD won't stay in her bed!

[mum2phoebs]

Since the clocks went forward our 3 yr old DD won't just stay in ther bed as she has always done at bedtime.

Her room is just as dark as it always was. We have resorted to putting the stairgate back up at her bedroom door as she just keeps getting up and walking downstairs, saying things like I forgot to kiss Mummy, I need another story, I need more water etc...

Only thing is tonight she has shown us how she knows how to open the gate!! We've now made it so she can't open it easily and now she's stood at the gate saying "I'm not a baby I don't want a baby gate!"

What do we do!? Advice please as we are getting sick of the whinging, actually think I may have heard her walk back across to her bed so is this what we've got to do from now on??

We thought we were too lucky with her bedtime routine (she's slept throught since 10 weeks and only wakes when poorly) so we are in shock now!

Is she only just 3? my DD has also slept through from 10 ish weeks, really good sleeper etc. and is 3 in a few weeks. Suddenly bedtime is a challenge, more hugs, more kisses, 'forgot' something, another book, another two books, ten books etc. etc. I have noticed she is pushing boundries all round so just put it down to her age. I was told to ignore people who say 'terrible twos' as its the threes that are the most challenging as they are suddenly aware that there is life beyond their bubble.

How about leaving her with a nightlight and a book or two? Perhaps a new 'bedtime' soft toy?

We had to threaten to put her back in a cot, DH actually went up there one night with the old cot side and a tool box! Was enough to shock her into staying in bed.

My DD is still tossing and turning but we have had a very exciting day so I guess its hard for her to settle. Good luck and I will lurk for any good ideas!

Thanks - she's 4 in June! She has a nightlight and books to "continue" reading!

She is now undoing the stairgate completely and will be back downstairs in 30 seconds!! We would threaten the cot but at the minute she would think it's a great idea as we have a 2nd baby due in 2 weeks!

Ah, I see, hmmmmm, blimey, no experience of this then. What does old Super Nanny do... silently take them back to bed with no interaction and stay calm and silent... easier said than done of course. You could turn all the lights off and hide under the stairs?