Staying in Toddler Bed

C.,
My son is three as well and he doesn't always get out of bed, but sometimes he will try us. When we first put him in the big bed is was awful. We had to take him back about 30 times or more every night for about 1 1/2 weeks. When he walked out of his room we would just take him back to bed everytime. He would kick and scream and cry, but now he is much better. A lot of it is his age. At three they push the boundries to see what they can get away with. You need to stay firm. I know you're tired b/c your pregnant. Just start the process earlier b/c it's going to take a while then whenever he is more compliant you can move it back to the normal time. Just keep in mind that he has you figured out and he knows exactly how much you will take so be strong and don't give in. With a baby on the way you need to nip it in the bud now!!! I know I was pregnant with our third when I faced this with my 3 year old. It will pass!!
If you're not a part of some kind of mom's support group try is out. It is helpful to talk to moms going thru similur situations. Try www.mops.com to look for a group near you.
God Bless,
R.

Try reading the book "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". I know several moms who say that it is their Bible. It discusses sleep issues such as when, how much, and so forth, and asserts that if a child is tired it is actually harder for them to go to sleep. My friend uses it with her 3 year old and 9 month old, and her children go to bed much earlier than mine ever did. Good luck!

Don't give up on the Nanny 911 style of putting him back in his bed over and over again without saying a word. You said he's stronger willed than you are, and I bet he's got that figured out, too!! He knows you'll give in eventually, so you have to NOT give in! Nanny 911 makes it look so easy, but remember those moms have the nanny to help with moral support and follow through-- and they always make it look like even if it took hours that it worked on the first night, when I know it takes more than one night (especially with a strong willed child) because they need to test you for the next couple of nights to see if you are able to be consistant or if they can win if they keep trying. I know it's exhausting, but stick to that same technique until it works because it WILL work-- but only if you are consistant. Give in just once and he'll know he's gotcha and you're back to square one-- ESPECIALLY if you lay with him!! Don't do it!!! That's a reallllly hard habit to break.

C.,
Hello. I hear this from a lot of moms when they make that change to a big boy bed. Have you considered putting a baby gate in the doorway so he does't feel locked in. This way you don't have to close his bedroom door. It might take a while, but he will eventually get used to it and you can be assured he is not getting out of his room.
Sandi
ChildSeniorSafety.com Inc
www.childseniorsafety.com