One of the biggest milestones in your child’s first few years is the transition from cot to bed. The timing of this move often depends on your child’s physical skills and emotional readiness. Read on for some advice on how to know WHEN to make the move, and a few tips on HOW to do it.

When to move your child from cot to bed

Children develop at different rates, so don’t worry about making the change by a specific age. However, as a general guideline, children are ready to move to a big bed from around 18 months to three years old. This might even vary between siblings, so don’t be surprised if your second child is ready to make the move sooner or later than your first.

Instead of waiting for a certain age, rather consider your child’s readiness to move to a bigger bed. Below are a few signs that might let you know they are ready:

• Climbing: If your baby can climb out of the cot, then it’s time to change. Climbing could cause falling and injury, so your child will be safer in a low bed.
• Growth spurt: Your baby may physically outgrow their cot. Once they start to get tall enough that they are no longer comfortable laying down their cot, then a bed could be a better option.
• Toilet training: If you’re potty training your child and they no longer use nappies at night, then knowing how to get in and out of bed at night will give them the freedom and control they need.

Try to notice signs like these and make the decision to move them when they seem ready. Don’t worry if your child is turning three and still doesn’t seem ready; you have to let them develop at their own pace.

How to choose the right bed

Once it is time to make the change, you’ll want the right type of bed and mattress for your child. The two most important aspects of this choice are comfort and safety. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your child’s growth and development, and a comfortable bed can make all the difference. A firm mattress provides optimum spinal support for your child.

In terms of safety, railings are a good idea. Your toddler is used to rolling around in a cot and being “caught” by the sides if necessary. Safety railings will prevent them from rolling out of bed. The bed should also be low to the floor so that they won’t injure themselves badly if they do fall out of bed or if they climb over the railings.

If a safety rail doesn’t fit with your child’s bed or if you choose not to have one, then just make sure the floor surrounding the bed is nice and soft. Lay down pillows and blankets if you need to.

Size may also be an important factor. If you get a small child-size bed, then you might end up needing a new one in a few years’ time as they grow, which will be another expense. Sealy single-sized beds last from toddler until teen so that they won’t grow out of it, as well as being safe and comfortable for your child.

Guidelines for an easy change

To make the change from cot to bed easier on you and your baby, here are some tips for you to follow.

• Keep things familiar

A new bed is a change, so make the process easier by keeping some things the same. Transfer your child’s favourite toys or blankets into the bed. Keep their bedtime habit the same. Putting the new bed in the same place as the cot will also help.

• Toddler proof the room

In the event the toddler can climb from their new bed, then make sure the room is a secure environment for them. Secure any electrical devices and install plug covers on plug points. If the curtains or blinds have cords make sure to move them out-of-reach, or change them with cords that do not have a loop. You could also fix a baby gate on top of the stairs or in the entrance to your baby’s room to avoid accidents.

• Make it exciting

Let your toddler know ahead of time that they will be changing beds and ensure it is sound like a fun event. Make a big deal about it and praise them for trying out the new bed. You can involve them in the process as much as possible by letting them pick out the bed and bedding with you.

• Be patient

Your toddler might not adjust straight away to their new bed. This means that, even though they have been sleeping through the night for some time, you might have some sleepless nights in the beginning. Give them time to adjust to the new arrangement and be patient. If you are frustrated, then your toddler is like to get more frustrated as well.

We hope these tips help you deal with any transition from cot to bed problems.