Moving from a Cot to a Bed

Becoming a new parent brings a whole new set of challenges and uncertainties – sometimes it can feel like navigating through a scene from Jumanji! As time progresses, these hurdles become less intimidating, and you'll develop the skills to handle them, realizing that what once seemed daunting just requires patience. One significant milestone will be transitioning your little one from a cot to a bed.

Determining the right time to move from a cot to a bed can be tricky, but there are some signs to watch for. If your child is climbing out of the cot or needing to use the toilet at night, these are indicators. It's advisable to keep children in their cot as long as possible, typically until they are between 3.5 and 4 years old. At times, toddlers may lack the maturity required. Moving them too early could lead to regression within two weeks. I've observed children performing well for a short period, only to experience frequent night waking and difficulty falling asleep at night. Some parents resort to co-sleeping or staying with their children until they fall asleep, which is not considered ideal. Consequently, parents have little time for each other at night, turning bedtime into stress.

If you need to transition your child due to the arrival of a new baby, it's best to do so either before the birth or a few months afterward. This helps prevent your toddler from feeling resentful towards the new sibling or becoming possessive of the cot. Keep in mind that most children under 2 years old are not emotionally or developmentally ready to transition to a bed. Therefore, if you have a child under 2 and a new baby, you might consider keeping two cots.

Safety is paramount! Before introducing the new bed, assess your child's room for potential hazards. Check for cables, curtain cords, open windows, accessible stairs, or small toys that could pose risks. Although these concerns may seem unlikely, they are all plausible. Being vigilant before the transition is crucial.

Another safety aspect is preventing falls from the bed. It's highly recommended to position the bed against a wall. You can also purchase guardrails from baby/child specialty stores that fit under the mattress to prevent rolling out. Allow your child to practice in the 'big bed' a few times before sleeping there overnight.

On a lighter note, involve your child in selecting sheets and a quilt cover for their new bed. By engaging them in setting up the bed and storing away the cot, they will feel a sense of ownership and enthusiasm. Offer praise for their maturity and transition to this new phase. Consider adding some small decorations to their room to signify a fresh start. A night light can provide comfort, as well as having their favorite toys in bed.

These suggestions aim to assist you and your toddler in a smooth and secure transition to the bed world! Remember, resistance and adjustment challenges are normal, just as adults often struggle with change too. How many adults do you know who still sleep in a cot? Hopefully none! This means success is on the horizon. Feel free to contact the SleepBaker team for support with the cot-to-bed transition. We are here to help with the next exciting chapter in your toddler's life!

Please reach out to our team either before or if you are struggling with this transition.