Moving your toddler to a bed
We are delighted to introduce Andrea Grace - Child Sleep Expert and author of Gentle Sleep Solutions as our special guest blogger! In this special post, we’ll talk about the right time to move your toddler into their first bed. Andrea will then talk us through some of the main sleeping challenges facing parents, and how to make the transition from cot to bed easier.
When is it time to go from cot to bed?
Most toddlers transition to their first bed between the ages of 18 months and three years. Having said that, there isn’t a ‘right time’ to move them from the cot to a bed - it’s different for everyone. You (and your little one) will know when to make that decision!
There are some of the most common triggers for making the cot-to-bed transition:
- Your toddler has started climbing out of their cot. (Putting them in a bed - which is even easier to get out of - might seem counterintuitive, but by climbing from their cot they’re expressing their need for independence. Take advantage of it!)
- You need the cot or cot space for a new younger sibling. (In which case, be sure to make the transition before the baby’s arrival so you’re not dealing with too much change at once.)
- You simply feel that your little one is ready to move on and have their first ‘grown up’ bed.
Remember, there’s no right or wrong time to do this. It’s completely up to you.
Preparing to change from a cot to a bed
You’ll probably think about moving your child to their first bed for a while before you do it, but that doesn’t mean it won’t come as a surprise to them. When you’ve decided to move your toddler into a bed, give them a couple of weeks to adjust to the idea by telling them that their first ‘grown up’ bed is coming.
If they seem anxious about the idea, there are lots of ways you can make the process more positive for them. Try these tips:
- Let them choose duvet and pillow covers so they feel like they are more in control (which also gives them a reason to look forward to using their new bed).
- When the new bed arrives, don’t put them in straight away - let them get used to the way it looks, and where it is, first. If they’re old enough, you may even invite a couple of their friends around and encourage them to play on the bed (under careful supervision, of course - and be sure to remind them that the bed is ultimately for sleeping on!)
- If your toddler has an older sibling, remind them that they can be just like their older brother or sister if they sleep well in their new bed.
Toddler beds
There are two main options when you move your toddler from their cot to a bed: a normal single bed, or a specially-made toddler bed.
Toddler beds are usually smaller than a single. They’re lower (so there’s less of a fall if they tumble out) and may have even special rails to stop them rolling off during the night.
Toddler beds can be useful, but they’re not necessary - a single will work just as well, and it means you won’t have to buy a bed twice. (If you’re looking for a high quality mattress that will last a long time, our singles are just right for the job.)
Safety first
Before you move your toddler to their first bed, have a quick check to make sure nothing can go awry. These are the things we’d look out for:
- Put a rug, or perhaps a blanket or soft cushions, on the floor by the bed in case your toddler does fall out during the night.
- Check for things they could trip over if they do get out of bed in the dark, such as cables or toys on the floor.
- Buy a small nightlight, which can both provide comfort and prevent bumps if they do go on a nocturnal expedition.
- Think about putting a child gate at the top of the stairs, or even on their bedroom door, so they can’t wander too far.
Top tips for moving your toddler to a bed
Understandably, parents can feel a bit of trepidation about making the move. Follow Andrea’s steps to make the whole process both positive and easy for both you and your child.
1. Get the timing right
First of all, if you are moving your toddler out of the cot to make room for a new baby, you must leave a few weeks between moving your older one out and the younger one in.
2. Get them excited
If they are old enough to understand, you can cheerfully explain to your toddler that they are going to sleep in a big boy/girl bed. Allow them to see you remove the cot from the room and put the new bed in place. Encourage a little role play game where they tuck their toys into the new bed and then leave them to go to sleep. With your child, praise the toys for going to sleep. Through this small ritual they will receive the subtle message that you will be happy if they do the same.
3. Stick to their routine
Keep up your usual bedtime routine - this will help them to feel settled and secure, and routine is especially important given the change in their sleeping environment.
4. Keep things positive
After any rituals such as milk and stories, you should kiss them goodnight and then leave the room on a very positive note. Do this even if they seem unsure about you going. Tell them that you will be back very soon to check that they are cosy.
5. Check in regularly
Return to them very shortly afterwards and praise them for being in bed (if they are still in it!) You should go back a couple of times even if they are not crying or calling for you. Only stay for a few moments before leaving again, “I’m going to do some jobs, but I’ll be back in a minute.”
6. Be persistent
If they get out of bed, you should stop them at the door and show surprise that they are up. Keep a straight face - even though they might look so cute and funny appearing on the landing, you don’t want to encourage them by laughing and smiling! Quickly take them back to bed in silence, and as soon as they are back in bed, you can reward them with your smiles and praise. Leave again even if there are objections.
7. Give extra reassurance
Until your child gets used to sleeping in a big bed, they might struggle to go off to sleep and need a little extra time and reassurance. It is perfectly ok to pop in and out to them several times and,when you are out of the room, to call to them from the corridor or landing: “I’m coming in a minute!” You do need to avoid staying beside them as they go to sleep, however. If you do this, they are likely to wake up in the night and call for you to come back.
8. Plan for disruption
Expect it to take longer than normal for them to go to sleep. This is natural because children like things to be predictable and familiar, and the changes you are making may make them uneasy and wakeful at first.
9. Embrace teamwork
It’s a good idea if possible, for both parents to alternate going in and settling/praising them.
10. Keep things safe
If your child really does struggle to stay in bed, and you are worried about them wandering about at night, you should consider fitting a safety gate to their bedroom door. This will keep them safe and contained, and provided you introduce it in a positive manner, there is no reason for them to feel imprisoned or punished.
11. Think about nightlights
You will also need to have some kind of very soft lighting to keep them safe if they DO wander in the night.
12. Make it through the whole night
If they wake up or get up in the night, you should go to them and help them back into bed as you did at the beginning of the night. Go to them every few minutes if they are unsettled, give them time but once again, try not to be in the room as they go off to sleep.
13. Finish with lots of praise
In the morning, offer them lots of praise: “You slept in your lovely new bed!”
Andrea adds: “If you’re able to see the move from cot to bed as a positive step and are able to handle it with confidence and a cheerful manner, your child will feel happy about the move too.”
So there you have it! If you’re thinking of upgrading your own bed (we think you deserve one too), take a look at our unique hybrid mattresses. If you don’t like yours after 200 nights, we’ll take it back and give you a refund - no questions asked.
