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From cot to bed

Making the move to a bed is a big step in the lives of toddlers and parents alike. Suddenly your baby is no longer such a baby.

Toddlers can have trouble adjusting to the openness of a bed, and parents can be struck by just how fast their baby is growing up. How do you make it easier for both of you? And how do you get her to stay in bed, safe and sound for the night?

When?
The move from cot to bed will probably happen some time between 18 months and 3 years. Don't be in a hurry and look out for the following signs:

She is too big for her cot and she looks restricted.

She's frustrated at being confined by her cot.

She tries to climb out.

She goes to the toilet by herself during the day, and you would like to leave her nappies off at night.

Safety
Make sure your house is child proof, now that she can get out of bed when she chooses.

A bed guard is a good idea if you are worried that your child may fall out.

If possible, put one side of her bed against the wall.

Make sure that stairs are protected by stair gates.

Re-check your home for safety: medicines, alcohol, cleaning liquids and so on, should be locked away out of reach. If your child proves to be a wanderer, make sure that you leave a night light on to protect her from tripping over objects in the dark.

New or old?
If a brand new bed is out of the question, then go for a new mattress. Old mattresses can be unhygienic and may trigger allergic reactions. Don't spend a fortune on a new bed, a childs needs change as she grows.

How?
Try not to change too many things at once when you introduce her to a bed. Keep her environment similar and try to be totally relaxed about the whole process. The "you're a big girl now" approach often works well, but don't expect her to become "big" in all matters. If she isn't dry at night, wait until she is completely settled in her new bed before you embark on that one!

Tip
Even if you use a safety rail, put a couple of continental pillows on the floor until you are certain she won't wiggle down the bed and fall out.

Previously published in Your Baby magazine, Subscribe now and save