Transitioning your toddler from cot to bed can feel like a daunting prospect, but it doesn’t have to be. Read through my tips to help make it easier on both of you.
- Most importantly – When is the right time to move them? Firstly, we need to think about safety. If your little one has learned how to climb out of his/her cot, it’s probably time to move them out. Is your little one still using a sleep bag? If not, then it can be a good option to start using one which will limit their ability to climb over the side of the cot. I do advise to leave them in the cot as long as possible, but once the cot becomes a safety hazard then it’s time for change. If your little one is happy sleeping in the cot, I would leave them in the cot until they outgrow it. There is honestly no rush to move them into a toddler bed.
- Some may plan the transition from cot to bed in the hope this is going to improve sleep, don’t do it, I would hold off. Work on the routine and sleep first, then transition them to a bed at a later date when ready. Their new discovery of freedom can really encourage ‘party time’ for some.
- Some families plan to move their toddler to a bed as they need the cot for a new baby – I would think very carefully about this one. Is it essential and does the baby need to sleep in the cot right now? Too much change at once can be stressful. Let your toddler get used to the idea of having a new brother/sister first. I would advise on doing this a couple of months before the new baby arrives (depending on age and if they are ready), or a few months after, once they have got used to the new arrival at home.
- Moving them into a bed can cause your toddler to test boundaries, the reason why I encourage toddlers to sleep in the cot as long as possible, is because it makes it easier to move them at the age of when you can explain the process to them. You can start explaining to them what is going on and what is expected of them when staying in bed.
- I really don’t advice transitioning to a bed before 2 years of age, unless of course you have safety concerns from climbing. Some toddlers stay in the cot happily until they turn 3. The older the child, the smoother the transition will be. Older children will most likely stay in bed when it is sleep time than at the younger age when they haven’t yet developed that impulse control.
My top tips to help with bed transitioning.
- Once transitioned, keep everything the same as possible. Same bedtime routine, same position for the bed as the cot was in before. Give them their usual comforter or teddy and same bedtime routine
- Safety – make sure anything that is a potential hazard has been moved or out of arms reach in the room. Make sure the bed is safe, perhaps use side rails so they can’t roll out. One side positioned against the wall and bed is lowered. It might be time to think about a baby gate if you don’t already have one to place at the door entrance. Treat the room as 1 BIG COT.
- New bed sheets – you can introduce these in advance so the bedding is familiar. I also like to encourage them to use the bedsheets by pulling it up themselves, as they are likely to kick it off when they aren’t used to this. Go shopping together for new bed sheets, allow them to point out which sheets they would like – make it fun.
- Timing – Choose the right time for a smooth transition. Maybe not during potty training or after you just had a second child.
The key to a smooth transition is move them at the right time, stay calm and be consistent.
If you are struggling with your little one’s sleep do check out My Sleep Packages.
Happy Sleeping
Stephanie x
