We know this can be an exciting time for parents, Setting up your little one's room with a big kid's bed. Our advice to you - If your toddler is sleeping well in their cot, not climbing out, and you don't need it for a younger sibling, we recommend making this transition as close to 3 years as possible.
Between 2.5-3years of age, children start to develop impulse control, making it much easier to stay in their bed at bedtime and overnight, understanding bedtime boundaries. This doesn't mean they won't test your limits; however, they will be more capable of understanding what is expected of them.
Signs that you have made this change a little too early can result in bedtime stalling, wakeups overnight, and early rising (all of which I have just been through with my almost 3-year-old little girl).
Things to consider before you make this change:
-Is the timing, right? Make sure that this change is a positive one for all. If they see you panicking or rushing this transition, chances are they will pick up on your emotions; we want this to be a cool, calm and collected experience.
-Start the change with a good sleeper. If your toddler isn't sleeping great in a cot, then chances are moving them into a bed won't change a thing, try to have healthy sleep habits in place before you make the change.
-Do they sleep through the night? We want to ensure that your toddler is used to a full night's sleep. We don't recommend moving your toddler to a bed if they have wakeful periods through the night; this will give them free rein of the house while you are asleep.
-Are they between 2.6-3 years of age? Will they understand bedtime boundaries?
-Do they still need a nap during the day? Will this affect them settling for this nap?
Our top 5 tips to help with Transitioning from Cot-Bed
1. Make sure you keep your bedtime ritual and settling technique the same as when they were in a cot.
2. A grow clock is a great visual aid to help your child understand that it's bedtime and help with those early wakeups.
3. Ensure their room and areas outside their room are safe and free of clutter and too many distractions.
4. A baby gate/door latch; we know this won't be everyone's cup of tea, but it can be a great way to keep your toddler safe in their room without worrying about them walking around the house in the middle of the night.
5. Allow your little one enough time and space to explore the change, you will move through this transition period easier if you don't intervene a lot during the going to sleep process. If they need your reassurance, go in for a cuddle. If they are awake and otherwise happy in their bed, step back and leave them to it.
6. Give it time and be patient
