The move from a cot to a bed is a huge step for both child and parent. While many parents are daunted by this process (partly since it’s a reminder of how quickly their baby is growing up, and partly due to the fact they don’t think their child will like their new toddle bed), it can be made into an exciting process.
The average age, as discovered by Happy Beds,for a baby to move from their cot to their toddler bed is 2 years and 1 month old, but of course, there is no right or wrong age that a child should move and each parent knows what is best for their own child.
If you think your child is ready for a new big boy or girl bed, then here are just a couple of tips to make the process a little smoother:
- Routine
Routine is one of the most important factors when it comes to moving your baby to a new bed. They already have a lot to deal with and it’s important that you try and keep everything else from their bedroom routine the same. If your child is used to having you read a story before bedtime, or used to having a bath, then you know this routine works and it should work for them in their new bed too.
- Positive Reinforcement
Reward your child for staying in their new bed and being so well behaved and grown up about their transition. It is important that they’re rewarded the first few times, or perhaps set up a ‘gold star’ system, where they get a star for every time they sleep through without fuss.
- Involve Them
Involve your child in picking out their own bed, so that they’re sleeping in something that they love and don’t detest.
Kids’ cabin beds are always really appealing for children that are making the jump straight from cot to a big bed. They come with a barrier to stop your child rolling out at night, similar to a toddler bed although cabins often come with added storage which is really beneficial.
- Don’t Make it Into a Big Deal
The less fuss you make around this, the less important it seems. You don’t want your child thinking that this change is a big deal. While you might want to cry due to your little ‘un looking so grown up in their new bed, just don’t do it or your child will catch on and it will become a bigger issue than it may already be.
- Same Blankets and Bedding
Use the same blankets and bedding that your child had in their cot (if the sizing is applicable). This will work as a sort of comfort and, hopefully, should make your child feel less stressed and more relaxed. Giving them teddies that they have had since the day they were born should help too.
*Collaborative post*
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