Big Bed and Cot

[redbunnyfruitcake]

Unfortunately for me it seems that DD(3) is needing to reduce her daytime naps at the same time as she is insisting on going into the big bed. Dropping the nap I can handle as she is still sleeping for 1 1/2 to 2 hours a day but is up like a lark at 6am or earlier every morning but the move to the big bed is a little more of a problem. She insists that she wants to sleep in the big bed but as soon as I leave the room she is up and about, this has gone on for the last week resulting in her being up until 10pm on occasion and never going down before 9pm.

However, this evening I have reinstated our previous bedtime routine with an aim to be in bed and asleep by 7pm. All went well until I went up and she was out of bed for the second time. Before I left on the first occaion I explained that if she got out of bed again she would have to sleep in the cot which she repeated back to me as though she understood. As she got out of bed again I just told her that this meant that she would have to go in the cot. She protested but all is quiet now. Is this self defeating? Will it teach her nothing about staying in bed when she finally moves over to the big bed.

Just looking for suggestions and advice really.

If she's 3 then I'm very surprised she's put up with the cot this long! Just make the move and put a stairgate on her door. She's quite old to be making the switch so you're probably going to have to do rapid-return or have some sort of reward system until she gets used to staying in bed. A Gro-clock can be useful too in terms of helping them understand that when the star is out, then they have to be in bed.

I stayed in the room with ds then kept putting him back in. First couple of times I cuddled and said good night then subsequently I just put him back without a word. Kept it boring. He got the idea he should stay in bed. Then we worked on leaving the room. So in bed, lights out then talk for a bit then leave. I'd tell him I'd be back in 5 then go back after 5. Then gradually extended the time. He doesn't get out of bed now. He has phases where he wants us to stay until he sleeps, other times no problem. I figure he's only young and it won't be forever!

Is it dark enough in her room? Has she got black-out blinds? If it's black as pitch then there's no point getting out of bed because she won't be able to see to play.

Thank you for your replies. She has been in a cot because she asked to stay in the cot, I think she felt more secure in there but obviously that time has come to an end and tonight she even managed to climb out. I am going to get a gro-clock, stick the black out blinds back up and try the gradual retreat method. This evening I told her that I would shut the door and lock the child gate if she didn't stay in bed which I finally had to do half an hour ago but she managed to bang her head and I went back in to comfort her. However, when I left after our cuddle I told her I would leave the door and the gate open if she stayed in bed and so far so good. None of this is helped by her having a cough and a cold though so maybe I'm expecting too much right now. Thanks for the help though, it's just nice to know there are people willing to help.

Hi - watching with interest DD is also 3 and going into big bed next week. She also loves her cot so have felt no need to move her out of it. am getting a bit nervous now though...