Knowing when to move a child from a
cot to a bed is a momentous decision for many parents. Your baby’s a baby no more, but a toddler.
When's the right time to move them?
There’s no clear answer to this question – it’s a case of what’s right for your child. Some people move their children as early as 15 months, others have children of three or three and a half who are still content to be in their cots. Usually the rule of thumb is that when they can escape from a cot, it’s no longer safe for them to be in it.
That’s my cot!
Don’t move your toddler out of the cot and into a bed when a new baby is about to arrive in the house. It will only increase his sense of being displaced. If space, and furniture, dictate this move, make sure you give your child plenty of time to get used to the bed before the baby arrives. Many children regress when a new baby comes into the home, so they want to be a baby again and sleep in their cot. This is the worst possible time to expect him to be a big boy and move to a bed.
Should I use cot rails? Again, this is a matter of choice. Some parents find it a necessity, others do without. Rails can be a good buffer zone between a cot and a bed – providing a sense of security to a child (as well as an incentive to stay in the bed!). You may not need to use them for long so, if possible, borrow from a friend.
Bunk Beds: Good Idea? The Child Accident Prevention Trust recommends that top bunks are not used by children under six years old. This is because the safety standards for bunk beds are based on average measurements of children of this age.
Top Tips
Put the bed in your child’s bedroom before you make the move from cot to bed. This way, your child is introduced to the concept of a big bed in their bedroom and given time to adjust before the move is made. It may be a bit of a squeeze, but it’s worth it if you can.
Don’t disassemble the cot until you can see that your child is content with sleeping in the big bed. Give them time to make the adjustment, and be flexible enough to allow them to move to and fro until they’re happy with the new sleeping arrangements.
Either put the mattress directly on the floor for the first few nights, or put a layer of cushions next to the bed to soften the landing when they fall out of bed – as they will.
A bed design with raised edges is ideal as it presents a small – but important – barrier to encourage your child to stay in their bed.
Think about putting a stairgate on the bedroom door to stop them wandering around at night or early in the morning.
Present the move as an exciting step towards growing up. Involve your child in the choice of bedding and encourage them to see this as a great treat, rather than anything intimidating or difficult.
