Moving to a ‘big bed’

• email
• save PDF
• print

Most children move from a cot to a regular bed some time between 2 and 3½ years. But there is no hurry. There are even one or two advantages to leaving your child in the cot if she is happy there. Sometimes the shift to a bed brings a few new bedtime battles, and you might want to choose when you deal with these.

Some reasons for moving to a big bed

• Your child might have started climbing out of her cot.
• If she is toilet training you may want her to be able to get to the toilet by herself.
• You might have a new baby who needs the cot.
• You might have decided to move your child out of your bed and into her own bed.

If you’re moving your child into a big bed to free the cot for a new baby, try to move her either a few months before the baby is born or when the baby is a couple of months old. This way she won’t feel that she has to move because of the new baby, which could cause resentment towards her new brother or sister.

Making the bedroom safe

Now that she’s out of a cot, your adventurous child will be able to get out of bed and do whatever she wants in her bedroom. A safety check of the bedroom will help to prevent accidents. Things to check include:

• windows that open to the outside – if your child’s bedroom is on an upper level, climbing out could cause a serious injury. Install safety locks so the window can only be opened a little and make sure that this gap is not big enough for her to climb through
• curtain and blind cords – these could strangle your child
• electrical appliances
• stairways – you can fit child-safety guards so she doesn’t fall down the stairs in the dark or when she is drowsy.

Helping your child settle in

Here are some tips for making the transition from cot to bed successful.

• Moving into a bed is an exciting step towards being an independent grown-up. Make sure your child knows how proud of this you are.
• Tell her all about the plans to set up the new bed. Emphasise that it will be fun!
• You could get her to help you set up the new bed. If it seems like a fun idea, take her shopping to choose the bed or bedding, then have her in the room with you while you move the furniture. She’ll be happier if she’s had a say in the move too.
• Why not throw a big-bed party and celebrate the move to her own bed?

Moving your child into a bed can be unsettling. A new ‘big bed’ routine might help her relax.

• Have quiet time before bed. Pack away toys and prepare the bedroom as a place of quiet rest, rather than somewhere exciting.
• Encourage your child to climb into bed if she can. Pulling up her own bedcovers and arranging soft toys and pillows the way she wants them might make her feel more settled in her new bed. Pillows are still dangerous for children under two, as they are a suffocation risk.
• Keeping a blanket from her old cot might also make her feel more secure and comfortable.
• Say goodnight. Tell your child what you expect from her and what is going to happen next. Saying something clear and positive like, ‘It’s time to go to sleep – see you in the morning,’ makes bedtime seem less scary.

If she comes out of her room

• Immediately help her back to bed.
• Remind her ‘It’s time to go to bed – see you in the morning,’ and leave the room.
• Repeat this process until your child stays in bed or settles.
• If she becomes distressed, a quiet cuddle may help.
• See more tips on getting your child to stay in bed if getting out of bed becomes a consistent habit.

• Rated22 ratingsRate this item
• FeedbackTell us what you think of this item