This week, I've had numerous discussions with Mum friends and clients about transitioning toddlers from a cot to a bed. Just when they thought they had sleep nailed, BAM! Something new to contend with. The main reasons for this transition usually revolve around safety concerns (little ones climbing out of their cots) and difficulties in settling them in their cot without some support.
There's a lot of information available about the best time, how to do it, and what to do. I thought it would be helpful to compile some tips in one place to assist tired parents and adventurous toddlers in making a smooth transition (well, as smooth as it can be with a wriggly and excitable toddler).
At What Age Should I Move My Toddler to a Bed?
Most advice suggests transitioning to a bed between 18 months and 3 years old. My recommendation is to keep your toddler in the cot for as long as possible, ideally until they are closer to 3 years old.
The only reason to transition earlier is if it's a safety risk, i.e., your little one has mastered climbing out of the cot.
By age 3, a toddler's understanding of situations is much better, and they can grasp the concept of "staying in their bed" better than they would at a younger age. Around this age, toddlers also start developing impulse control skills, which can help them stay in bed. Ever heard of the saying, "It's like herding kittens"?!
Signs Your Toddler is Ready for a Big Bed
Apart from safety concerns, other signs that your toddler might be ready for a bed include:
They ask to go into a big bed out of curiosity.
They are close to age 3 and have good impulse control.
They are toilet trained and need to use a potty or toilet at night.
They are consistently sleeping well and able to settle and resettle independently with minimal assistance. In this scenario, a transition to a bed may be easier.
Is Your Toddler Ready for the Big Bed?
If you're thinking, "This doesn’t sound too bad! Maybe we’re ready?" here’s what to do next. Try a trial period of 2-3 nights to gauge if they are really ready for the transition.
Don’t get rid of the cot just yet! Place the cot mattress on the floor as a "trial mattress." If you decide to set up the big bed or remove the sides of the cot and things don't work out, you can easily revert to the cot if needed.
Night One: Expect disruptions (maybe even chaos), so prepare yourself to write this night off and erase it from memory!
Nights Two and Three: Reflect on how it went.
Did it go great? Brilliant - set the bed up permanently!
Was it absolute carnage? No worries - go back to the cot and try again in a few months. Remember, don't compare your little one's sleep to others. When your toddler is ready, they will let you know.
Ensuring Your Toddler's Safety in Their New Bed
Safety is paramount, especially during the first few months of getting used to the new bed. Here are some top tips:
Invest in a stair gate (yes, another one!) for their bedroom door to prevent midnight walkies.
Ensure all electrical appliances are out of reach - that hair straightener on the bedroom floor, put it in a drawer.
Install safety locks on doors and cupboards, especially in the bathroom.
Put away any small toys that could be a safety hazard or too much fun.
5 Top Tips for a Successful Transition from Cot to Bed
Keep Your Usual Bedtime Routine: There will be some excitement on the first night, so maintaining the usual routine helps with familiarity and feelings of security.
Set Manageable Expectations: Boundaries will be pushed, and buttons will be pressed during this transition. Don't expect perfection from your toddler or yourself.
Avoid Multiple Changes at Once: Introducing a duvet along with the bed transition might be too much. Some toddlers handle change well, but others may struggle. If your little one is used to sleeping in a sleeping bag, maybe stick with the sleeping bag for while, or introduce a duvet before you transition to the bed. Remember to practice safe sleep and only introduce a duvet once your little one is over 12 months old https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/product-information/sleeping-products/ I would even say don't introduce a duvet until 18 months old.
Develop Impulse Control: Games like hide and seek and musical statues are great for helping your toddler develop impulse control while having fun.
Don't Use the Transition as a Solution to Sleep Issues: Difficulty settling and night waking could worsen. Solve sleep issues before moving your little one to a bed.
Help! My Toddler Keeps Getting Out of Bed at Night
This will likely happen at some point. Keep calm, calmly walk them back to bed, say "night night," and go back to your bed. They will get up again! Repeat this process. After three times, stop verbal interaction and calmly walk them back to bed each time. Yes, it is tiring and repetitive, but they will soon get bored.
Sometimes, other reasons for getting out of bed need extra attention and could be more complex. If this is the case, I can provide advice and support.
I hope you’ve found this blog helpful. If you need further support with your little one's sleep, please get in touch to see how I can help you.