Bedtime woes.

caybeh

DS is 2.5. Lately, we've been having problems with him at bedtime with him staying in his bed. We talk about that it is bedtime and he needs to stay in his bed and go to sleep. As soon as we leave his room, he gets up and comes and finds us. He doesn't tell us he needs anything. Then we do put him back to bed and it the cycle repeats. We've done timeouts as he isn't listening, taken away his blanket, and just put him back to bed without saying anything. Eventually he stays in his bed and goes to sleep. But I wish he would just stay in his bed from the get go.

We do have a sound machine on, music, and a nightlight in his room.

Bedtime is between 8-8:30.

Anything else we can do/try?

goillini823

Can you put a gate up so the door is still open, but he can't leave the room?

caybeh

I could try a gate. We have those wooden gates, but he knows how to open those. I could buy some different ones.

Yes, DD is up with us. This started before she was born, but has gotten worse. So maybe he does feel left out. Most of the nights, she is nursing when he is going to bed. I do take her downstairs and feed her so that we don't disturb his bedtime.

catycate

I'd be willing to bet it's the baby. Can you read them a story together so he can see that she's doing her bedtime routine too?

caybeh

Some nights depending on DD's nursing, she is apart of bedtime. Most nights, actually. He still gets up.

We have a consistent bedtime routine.

These are all good points, though!

The door locks from the inside and he knows how to unlock. He's smart. We would have to flip the door knob around. Believe me, there are some nights that has crossed my mind!

monalua

I think it's pretty common for this age, I know my son did it and several friends' kids also. You can put up a gate, lock his door, or get one of those child-proof door handle covers, that way he can't get out. I just started laying with my son until he fell asleep. I know that's an unpopular opinion but my hubby took the baby and my son was out in 15 minutes usually - was easier for me than bringing him back to his room repeatedly and I wasn't comfortable locking him in. I know some people use a CD player with music or kids' books on tape to help entice the kid to stay in the room. Good luck!

Linnea503

My son is also 2.5. Either my H or I just lay down with him while he falls asleep. Most nights it takes about 10 minutes and he is asleep by 7pm.

caybeh

Thanks all. I'm glad to hear that it common for his age! You've all given us some things to think about.

Don't worry, we are not going to lock him in.

orangegoggles

My son is only 21 months and still in a crib but I do notice on nights he goes to bed later, it is a nightmare. He literally can't calm himself down to put himself to bed. He screams our names and would probably run out the room if he wasn't in the crib.  The earlier I start the process 7/7:30, the better. Maybe an earlier bed time? Not sure when his nap is and such though...