If your toddler seems ready for a bigger bed, here are some suggestions for when to make the switch.
1. Is my toddler ready to transition to a big bed?
It is always a good idea to keep your child in their cot until they are around 3 years old. This can help prevent sleep disturbances down the line. Many children under the age of 2.5–3 years old may not have developed enough impulse control or understanding of boundaries yet, which can make transitioning to a big bed challenging for them.
Making the switch to a big bed too soon can lead to issues like your toddler frequently leaving the bedroom during the night and at bedtime. Older kids can develop a deeper understanding and respond positively to consistent limit-setting and rewarding techniques, which can encourage them to stay in bed.
2. What if I have to move my toddler to a big bed?
We understand that it is not always possible to keep your toddler in the cot. Here are some situations that could lead to a transition:
- Preparing for a new baby’s arrival. You may need to re-use the cot for your newborn.
- Your toddler is trying or succeeding in climbing out of the cot.
- They consistently ask for a big bed.
Here are a few tips to make it a smooth transition:
Don’t:
- Rush it
- Plan the move over any period of significant change. A good rule of thumb is to keep things the same 3 months before and after big changes such as the arrival of a newborn baby, moving to a new house, or nighttime potty training.
- Exclude your child from the planning. Our goal is for our kids to approach their big move with confidence and excitement. Allow them to pick out the bedding and assist with the setup. Make sure to have a conversation with them beforehand, and in the days leading up to it, bring it up daily! You can also try doing a countdown! Let your toddler know that his bed is the only thing that is going to change. He can stay safe and warm in bed until you wake him up in the morning.
Do:
- Try to keep everything else the same and as consistent as possible! Do your bedtime routine exactly like you would have done it before!
- Make sure you and your partner are aligned and agree on what you will do and say when your toddler gets out of bed and tries to walk over. Be firm but calm and consistent. Try not to create new habits during this transitional time.
- Remember that our children reflect our emotions. If you remain happy, calm, and confident, they will do the same.
3. One of the most important things you have to do!
Safeguard the bedroom and bed before the move. Once your child transitions to a big bed, they have the freedom to explore and move around, even when you are asleep, without the limitations of a cot.
- Ensure there is nothing unsafe for your child to climb on.
- Use covers for power plugs.
- Attach furniture or heavy objects to the wall so it can’t topple over.
- Inspect the bedroom and remove anything that could be a hazard.
4. How can you postpone the transition?
- If you are already dressing baby in a sleeping bag, you can put the sleeping bag on back to front to prevent your toddler from getting out of the bag. A sleeping bag can also prevent your toddler from being able to climb out of the cot.
- Ensure there are no high surfaces around the cot which makes it easier to climb out.
- If your cot has one lower side, turn that side against the wall. This will make it harder to get out.
