Moving from a Cot to a Bed can feel like a big step, both for them and for you. I often get asked about when you should make the change and how, read on for my top tips. If you are asking “are they ready”, it is very likely they aren’t so consider waiting a little bit.
When & How?
- When should you make the move? I generally suggest waiting until your child is around 2½ to 3 years old. Before this, sometimes they lack the impulse control needed to stay in their bed. However, if they are climbing out of the cot and it’s no longer safe, consider moving them sooner.
- How can you make this move smoother? Preparation, positive reinforcement, and keeping routines consistent is a great start.
If sleep is still tricky
- If your child isn’t yet sleeping through the night or needs help falling asleep, consider waiting before moving from a cot to a bed. Here are some tips on how to keep them in a cot for a bit longer.
- Focus on building independent sleep skills first, as moving them too soon can make this process more challenging. If you need help with this, here is more information.
- There’s no rush! Many parents worry about keeping toddlers in a cot for too long, but in our experience, delaying the move doesn’t make it harder later.
Why Sleep Skills Come First
Helping your toddler learn to sleep independently makes the transition easier when the time comes. They already feel comfortable falling asleep by themselves and bedtimes aren’t a battle. Making changes in the middle of this can be really difficult.
How to make the change
Step One: Prepare Them
- Explain the Transition Positively
Let your child know you will be moving them from a cot to a bed and set a date. - Keep It Calm
Avoid making the transition feel overwhelming; instead, keep it low-key to prevent added pressure or stress. For children with younger siblings, avoid making the move right before a new baby arrives so they don’t think they have had to make changes for the new arrival. If you are expecting a new baby, and they are not ready for a bed, it is much better to buy another cot then try a bed before they are ready.
Step Two: Involve Them in the Process
- Let Them Choose
Involve your child in picking out bedding and maybe even the bed itself. Giving them a sense of ownership over their new bed can make the change feel empowering. If you are using a cot bed – let them help you (safely) dismantle the cot and make it into a bed. - Consider a Bed Guard
A bed guard can give your toddler a clear boundary and help them understand where they should sleep.
Step Three: Keep Routine Consistent on the First Night
- Keep Everything Familiar
Avoid changing bedtime routines on the first night in the new bed. Stick to your usual routine to help them feel comfortable. - Place the New Bed in a Familiar Spot
If possible, put the new bed where their cot used to be to minimize disruption.
Common Reactions
Once your child is in their new bed, they may respond in a few different ways:
- Easily Adapts
Some children adjust immediately without any issues. - Delayed Testing
Some adapt at first but may start leaving their bed or playing at night after a week or two. - Immediate Challenges
Some may start leaving their bed or calling for you right away.
For delayed testing or immediate challenges:
- Set Clear Expectations
Calmly explain the bedtime rules and consequences for not staying in bed, and follow through with these consequences consistently. - Use Familiar Consequences/rewards
If you’ve already established effective consequences for nighttime behavior, continue using them. Consistency is key. With rewards, again be consistent. We used a trip to Colchester Zoo when they followed their bedtime routine for the first time (didn’t seem to make a difference that we were there weekly with our gold passes!)
Remember: Keep expectations manageable, keep routines consistent, and stay patient. With time, your little one will become comfortable in their new bed.
If you need further guidance or are experiencing issues with your child’s sleep, reach out for a free 15-minute consultation with us. We’re here to help you and your child get the restful sleep you both deserve! Book a free chat here
