Transitioning Your Toddler From Cot to a Bed
Wondering when you might be able to transition your little one from cot to bed? It's different for every child and family, but there are some questions you can ask yourself to figure out when it's time, and some tips on handling the big move! In this article, we discuss how to make the switch from cot to bed easier for you and your toddlers.
When should I transition my toddler from cot to bed?
This will depend on your toddler’s first bed–specifically, the model you choose! Some beds, like a Montessori-style floor bed, can be used for younger toddlers, while other more traditional toddler beds will require your child to be able to climb in and out before you make the move. Aside from physical readiness, consider their emotional readiness - some children love sleeping in a cot and you may want to leave them there until they are old enough to understand more and communicate their needs. Also, consider other big changes in their life. For example, toilet training and changing to a new bed can both be challenging transitions, so you may want to stagger them.
Importantly, if your child is climbing out of the cot, this is a sign they are ready for a bed - falls from a cot can be dangerous, so make the transition sooner rather than later.
If you have another baby on the way and want the cot early on for them, you may want to move your older child to a bed sooner than you otherwise would have. If that's the case, try moving your toddler into the bed a few months before the baby arrives - this can help prevent them feeling like the baby has taken the cot from them.
Choosing Your Toddler’s First Bed
Sometimes a ‘toddler bed’ can be an easy transition from the cot. However, a small bed can be quickly outgrown, so some parents prefer to skip this stage and move straight to a single bed, which is usually fine! If you’re purchasing your toddler’s first bed, here are some factors you may want to consider:
Size
An appropriately sized bed is key to maximise use and comfort for your child. Generally, you will have two options when selecting a size: a toddler bed or a single bed. Toddler beds are smaller and more suited for a smaller child; meanwhile a single bed is larger, which means that toddlers can grow into it.
Safety
The cot to bed transition requires some adjustments with your baby and their sleep. To give both you and your child an easier time adjusting, having safety features that allow your baby to sleep more soundly should be something you look for.
Some safety features and design elements that are best to look for include:
Durability
Similar to adult beds, toddler beds should be durable to avoid any mishaps! A toddler bed should be able to withstand the activities of an energetic toddler, which includes bouncing, playing, and even the cuddling from mum and dad.
Design
There are a ton of toddler bed designs available these days, from timeless classics to fun and whimsical designs such as race cars. Select a design that your child will love–or better yet, let your child decide on the design! An important thing to remember is that the design must be practical, easy-to-clean, and safe for your child.
Making Cot to Bed Transitions Easier: Tips and Recommendations
Moving from cot to bed can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier for your child. From getting them involved to decorating their sleeping space, here are some ways to make the cot to bed transition easier:
Let your toddler choose
If you can, bring your toddler to the bed store or let them help you browse online. If your toddler chooses their bed or even just the bedspread, they could feel more excited by and attached to it. To make sure you purchase a bed you’re happy with, try narrowing it down to a few options you like before offering your toddler the choice. Or, just stick to letting them pick their linen pattern or a new toy to join them in their big bed.
Talk about it
Encourage them with conversations around their new bed, and listen carefully to any concerns they express. Feeling heard can reinforce that their thoughts matter, and having insight into their worries can help you troubleshoot any potential issues early.
Decorate it
When you first set up your toddler’s big kid bed, make a big deal about it! Try using some blankets to turn it into a fort, set up their favourite toys in there, use some streamers or other fun decorations. Remove any streamers, extra blankets, or other hazards before your little one gets into bed to sleep.
Make them want what they can’t have (yet!)
Once you’ve put together the bed (and maybe decorated it), don’t let your toddler sleep in it yet! Wait for them to ask to sleep in there or show some kind of interest. Then say, ‘Maybe not tonight’ or ‘Not just yet!’. After a few nights of being denied their new bed, they’ll be desperate to get in there (and out of yours)!
Act envious
Make your toddler think you would sleep in there if you could! Talk about how excited you would be and how comfortable the bed is. If you’re excited, your little one could be more likely to jump on board.
Point out role models
Leading up to the transition from cot to bed, start drawing attention to role models who sleep in a big kid bed. Perhaps your friend’s toddler, or your child’s favourite TV or book character. Explain that cots are designed for young babies, and they are n’t babies anymore.
Introduce a “Big Kid” routine
Some children may find it helpful having a new 'big-kid' night time routine, while others will appreciate the familiarity of their normal evenings. A new routine might mean choosing a new ‘big kid’ bedtime story or song to soothe them during their first few weeks or months in the new bed.
Protect them from the “monsters”
Some toddlers may feel nervous about sleeping in a “big bed” for the first time for fear of monsters. Set up their sleeping area and make sure that they’ve got ample “protection” from the spookies with night lights and adorable nursery decor. Having a comfortable sleeping environment may also help your child if they have night terrors.
Be supportive
The change from cot to bed can be difficult for some kids. If they are reluctant to stay in their new bed, they could be experiencing anxiety. Acknowledge your child’s feelings without making them feel silly or frustrating. Explain that it is ok to be scared of sleeping in their new bed or worried about losing the cot. These feelings are normal, but with some reassurance that they are a brave big kid now, your toddler might feel safer to try sleeping in their new bed.
How to Manage Toddlers Who Keep Getting Out of Bed
The first step in encouraging your toddler to go to sleep at bedtime is establishing a night-time routine. This could involve a bath, brushing teeth, and storytime. Try the best you can to avoid screens, blue light or any exciting activity in the hour leading up to bedtime. Keep bedtime consistent so your little one knows what to expect. If your toddler is having trouble staying in bed after lights out, you could try some of the following but remember that each toddler is different:
Double-check their needs
Make sure they have enough water, check if they need to use the toilet, make sure they are at a comfortable temperature, and give them one last cuddle.
Acknowledge how they feel and calmly return them to bed
Explain to your child that ‘it seems you’re having trouble falling asleep.’ Rather than getting angry with your child, try to remain neutral about the situation and put them back in bed. You might want to check on your toddler a few minutes later. You can encourage them by saying something like ‘you look nice and sleepy now. Good night, I love you.’
Your toddler could be experiencing separation anxiety
Explain to them that you are close by and you’ll see them in the morning. If your toddler seems to be struggling with anxiety for two weeks or more, consult your doctor or a specialised sleep therapist.
Perhaps your toddler truly isn’t tired
If it’s consistently taking your child longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, their bedtime may be too early. Consider letting them go to sleep a bit later. Once they’ve settled into this bedtime, you can gradually make it earlier by 10 minutes or so until they can settle at your preferred time.
Set expectations
Remind your child that it’s time to settle down and spend some quiet time in bed. You can let them know that once they’re quiet, you’ll come back and check on them.
Praise your child for being quiet
If you do go back to check and they’ve settled down, let them know they’re doing a great job. If they fall asleep without any issues, praise them the next morning for how well they did last night.
Start a countdown
Always prepare your little one for sleep time. Remind them 30 minutes or so before the bedtime routine begins so they can start to wind down.
Say goodnight to everything
Explain that it’s time for everything to go to sleep; saying goodnight to toothbrush, moon, toys, etc., could help them understand bedtime means sleep time.
Incentivize good night-time behaviour with a reward chart
Set goals, like each night they don’t call out for you after lights out, they get a sticker. If they get a certain number of stickers, they can pick a treat like choosing the family movie.
Be mindful of their needs
Remind your child that if they truly need something, like help going to the toilet, or if they feel pain or have a nightmare, it is okay to call for you. Sometimes they really will need your help. Other times they will just be procrastinating out of boredom.
If you’ve put your child back to bed multiple times and you’re sure they have everything they need and are not in danger, it is okay not to respond every time they call out. Ignoring their calls could help them learn that calling out won’t get the attention, and it is time to rest. This also allows enough sleep for parents without sacrificing being mindful of their child’s needs.
Sweet Dreams!
Transitioning to a bed can be a big move for many toddlers - and their parents. Whether you're excited, nervous, or a bit of both, being prepared can make all the difference. What’s important is that you deal with the transition with patience and understanding. Being able to communicate with your toddler, setting their expectations, and making the switch exciting and enjoyable can make the whole experience quite fun.
We hope these tips help you and your little one out. Happy sleeping!