Moving from Cot to Big Bed

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When is your child ready to move into their own bed?

I remember the transition from baby hammock to cot like it was only yesterday.

The first night I left Jed in a cot alone, he was quiet for a few minutes after I stepped out the room. Next, I heard him calling my name. When that didn’t work, he started crying ‘Help!’

The memory of him clinging to the cot bars like a little jailbird in his stripy sleepsuit, shouting for help, still makes me smile to this day.

Before you know it, your baby outgrows his sleeping bag and starts to look like a giant in his cot. And if you find him risking his neck by trying to pull a Houdini out of his cot, then you know it’s time to bust a move!

Make that Move, Right Now Baby

Moving your child to a single bed might seem daunting for new parents as well as their bubbas. But with a little preparation, it can be fairly straightforward and even become a bonding experience.

First, get them used to the idea by letting them spend time on the ‘big bed’ even if they still feel safer nodding off in their cot. Make a big deal about how they’re growing up (this works especially well if they have an older sibling that they want to copy).

Enjoy slightly longer bedtime hours, reading a story and snuggling up before lights off.

If you’re worried about your child falling out of bed, put some soft pillows/cushions or blankets on the floor beside them. You could also try special ‘bumper sheets’ or even sliding a rolled up towel under a fitted sheet can be helpful.

I wind up using my old maternity pillow as a ‘bumper’ for Jed who still tumbles onto the carpet in his sleep, age 4! Some parents go as far as buying side rails for the bed, but in my opinion this only prolongs the transition.

A Dream Bedroom

The fun part about making the move to a big bed is choosing their new ‘nest’. Get your kids involved in picking out their new bed along with sheets and duvet covers.

When shopping for children’s beds, your main considerations should be safety, practicality, comfort and style.

Nowadays you can find beds shaped like cars or boats, beds with guest beds that slot underneath and of course, bunk beds are a firm favourite with kids.

Ezra and Jed have loved sleeping in a bunk bed for the past two years and it certainly freed up a lot of space in their bedroom.

Even if you’ve got an only child, he or she could still have the ‘bunk bed’ experience with a model like the Roma bed (pictured) that features built-in shelves, a pull-out desk on castors and a space saving ladder.

How cool is that?

Frankly, I’m tempted to move Jed into the top bunk with Ezra so that we can get that extra storage!

So, now that your child is safely settled in their own bed, how do you keep them from climbing out at all hours and disturbing your sleep?

That’s a whole other post!