Moving in to a big bed

Some reasons for moving to a big bed

• Your child might have started climbing out of the cot. 

  ·         If your child is toilet training, you might want your child to be able to get to the toilet easily during the night.

  ·         You might have a new baby who needs the cot.

  ·         You might have decided to move your child out of your bed and into a big bed.

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

  Making the bedroom safe

  When children move from a cot into a big bed, they can also get out of bed more easily. This means they can do whatever they want in their bedrooms.

  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 be opened only a little. Make sure that this gap is not big enough for your child to climb through

  ·         curtain and blind cords – these could strangle your child

  ·         electrical appliances

  ·         stairways – you can fit child-safety guards so your child doesn’t fall down the stairs in the dark or when drowsy.

  Helping your child settle in

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

  ·         Tell your child how proud you are. After all, moving into a bed is an exciting step towards being an independent grown-up.

  ·         Tell your child all about the plans to set up the new bed. Make sure your child knows it will be fun!

  ·         You could get your child to help you set up the new bed. If it seems like a fun idea, take your child shopping to choose the bed or bedding. Let your child watch while you move the furniture in the bedroom. Children feel happier if they’ve had a say in the move too.

  ·         Why not throw a big-bed party and celebrate the move to the big bed?

  Using a new ‘big bed’ routine

  Moving your child into a big bed can be unsettling. A new bedtime routine might ease the transition.

  ·         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 possible. Also, when children can pull up their own bedcovers and arrange soft toys and pillows the way they want, they sometimes feel more settled. Pillows are still dangerous for children under two, as they are a suffocation risk.

  ·         Let your child take a blanket from the old cot. This might also help your child feel more secure and comfortable.

  ·         Say goodnight. Tell your child what you expect and what is going to happen next. Say something clear and positive like, ‘It’s time to go to sleep – see you in the morning’. This can make bedtime seem less scary.

  Dealing with coming out of the bedroom

  ·         Immediately help your child back to bed.

  ·         Say, ‘It’s time to go to bed – see you in the morning’. Then leave the room.

  ·         Repeat this process until your child stays in bed or settles.

  ·         If your child becomes distressed, a quiet cuddle may help.