[Kasey5]

DS (2.5 yrs) has just learnt to climb out of cot, so I have converted it into a toddler bed this week. We've cut out naps in the last few weeks, and now he usually sleeps 11 hrs straight (7.30-6.30), but this is still less than his sister, and he's certainly v tired in the evenings. However, it's still difficult to get him to lay down in his bed and go to sleep. He's often mucking until 8pm after I put him to bed at 7. We have a consistent routine, which he's had since a baby, I keep putting him back into bed when he gets out, but sometimes I put him into time out (sitting on chair in my bedroom with me) to give his sister a chance to go to sleep. He's always been difficult to settle at night, but now it's worse. What else do you suggest? Is 11 hrs enough sleep? I can't get him down at night, let alone during the day!

[LittleRB]

11 hours seems like enough sleep to me.

We've just moved DS into a single racing car bed from a cot (he's almost 2.5).

DS has always mucked around when going to sleep, but he sat in his cot and talked to his toys e.t.c, giving them a run down of what he did for the day, calls out to us to say hi e.t.c.. After an hour or so, he goes to sleep. Sometimes he sits in there for up to 2 hours before falling asleep but as he couldn't get out and didn't cry, we would just leave him in there til he fell asleep.

With the new bed, we were very clear that you DO NOT come out of the bed. As soon as he tried once or twice, we said "GET BACK IN YOUR BED" in a loud and clear voice straight away and he ran straight back. Now he just jumps on his bed and plays with his toys til he falls asleep which is fine by me. I think kids need some time to wind down so they don't necessarily need to lie down and fall asleep straight away when you put them in bed.

You mention putting his sister to sleep - do they share a room?

I would keep re-iterating that he is not to get out of bed and he will go in the naughty corner if he does.

[Kasey5]

Thanks LittleRB. Yes, they share a room. She is very good at staying quiet and in her bed until she goes to sleep. Usually she goes to bed first, and will quickly fall fast asleep and be oblivious to the noise! He just seems to think it's a big game when I tell him off for getting out of bed, and just laughs when I put him firmly back. Time out also doesn't seem to settle him down. I'm happy for muck around time before sleep, as long as it's in his bed. Tonight he fell asleep on the couch before 7pm, as I couldn't get him to sleep until 9 last night!