How to transition from cot to bed

Big milestones are emotionally difficult for parents, especially when it comes to moving your little one into a new bed. The first few months of having a new baby are spent following a bedtime routine – but that can be difficult with a hungry baby!

However, parents reach a certain point when it's ready to move the baby from a cot into a toddler bed. They always look so small in their big bed, but the cot-to-bed transition is an important step in both yours and their life.

If you're approaching the age where your little one needs their own bed, we can help you with the transition from cot to bed. Read on to find out how to help your toddler fall asleep in their new bed.

Reasons to transition your child into a toddler bed

There are several reasons why your child might be ready to transition from cot to bed, and it's not just their age.

They could:

• Have outgrown their cot
• Be interested in a big bed
• Started climbing or trying to get out of their cot
• Started toilet training so need night-time access to a potty or toilet
• Or, another baby in the house now needs the cot

What age should you transition your child into their new bed?

In most cases, children will transition easier between the ages of 18 months and three-and-a-half years, but there is no set time and all children are different.

As mentioned above, there are several reasons – other than age – why a child might be ready to transition from their cot to a new bed.

However, the important thing to remember is that there is no hurry. If your child is content and sleeps well where they are, you don't need to rush them into a new bedtime routine just yet. But they should have plenty of space to sleep in, so if they're outgrowing the cot, it is time for the cot-to-bed transition.

Tips for a successful cot-to-bed transition

So, the time has come. Your little one is ready to move from the cot into a toddler bed, but how can you make the entire process easy for both you and them?

There are several things you can do to make the transition easier, including ensuring your child has the right type of bed, the whole space is comfortable and a 'stay in bed' rule.

Making the bedroom safe

When moving your little one into their own bedroom, you must ensure it's a safe environment each night.

First, if the space allows it, don't place their new bed next to a window as there's always the chance they could climb up and endanger themselves.

Similarly, don't place their bed next to a plug socket, if possible. The temptation for young children to play with switches can lead to an injury.

Ensure they cannot climb up or endanger themselves with a wardrobe. Consider installing wall fixes to tie it to the wall, reducing the risk of it falling.

Also, if you haven't already, install a stair gate at the top of your stairs. Toddlers can often get up and wander around looking for you. Installing a safety gate will ensure they don't accidentally trip down the stairs during the night.

What type of bed should your child use?

For small children, there are several different options in terms of beds.

First, a popular option is a cot bed. This is a type of cot that transitions over time into a bed so your child can use it from birth up to four years of age.

Another option is a toddler bed. This is a smaller single bed that's much lower to the ground than a traditional bed frame, making it easier for a toddler to climb in and out.

A standard single bed is also an option for larger toddlers, so long as you're comfortable with them using this bed by themselves.

No need for a new bedtime routine

The key to a successful transition from cot to bed is to introduce a comfortable bedtime routine for your child. Your previous routine may still work well, and your child might love it, so you could give it a go with the new bed.

Moving into toddler beds is a big step for children so don't try too much change at once – keep the same bedtime routine if it's worked up until now.

A comfortable sleep environment

If your little one's sleeping environment isn't comfortable, you're going to struggle to settle them into their big kid bed.

Your child will likely want some soft toys on their bed to sleep with, but try to limit how many there actually are or their entire collection will share the bed! Your little one needs plenty of comfortable sleep space to settle in for a good night of sleep.

‘Stay in your bed’ rule

Our final tip to help your child settle into the transition from a cot to a bed is the 'stay in your bed' rule.

This new change can confuse lots of children and unsettle them. You'll likely hear the bedroom door to your child's room open a few times during the first couple of nights, but it's normal. You just have to ensure you keep the 'stay in your bed' rule.

Tell your little one they must stay in their bed unless they have finished sleeping in the morning, finished their afternoon nap or need to use the toilet.

Try to discourage them from joining you in your bed and, if they have a favourite soft toy, try to incorporate that into their bedtime routine. Plus, if they do wake up through the night, reassure them that they can cuddle their toy to sleep.

Also, use a dim night light in their bedroom so they won't wake up to a scary, pitch-black room. This is likely to give them a small fright, leading to them getting up and out of bed.

Buy a high-quality toddler bed for your little one

Are you ready to transition your child from their cot to a bed? You'll likely need either some new bedroom furniture or a brand-new kids' bed.

Fortunately, you can pick all that up, and more – like mattresses and pillows – at Bunk Beds. We can help you make the cot-to-bed transition much easier for the whole family.