Hi there

My DD went into a single trubdle bed (so it was about her head height - but she uses a little dora step to get on and off). She went into it at about 18 months old. But it sat in her room from about 13 months so she got used to seeing , sitting and laying on it (although she wouldnt sleep in in until about 6 weeks ago).

She is fine in it. fell out a few times as she still moves around in it lots like it is a cot with 4 walls (it is against a wall and has a barrier the other side ) but she manages to fall off the foot end lol... talented girl.

Our cot does convert to a toddler bed and will use it for when DS is ready until he goes to a big bed. But didnt feel the need to have a toddler bed for a few months until she was ready for a big bed.

OUr mattress is a proper mattress for adult weight and cost us about $600 - anti allegernic . But it will last her into her teens (5 year warranty too) from snooze i think. We looked at cheap 200 ones but they were very foamy and would only support a toddlers weight so would need to look at another one in a few years when she was too heavy for it so they dont get back problems. So money well spent.

The trundle bed i got off ebay for $100 - solid base with drawers under neath for storage (she thinks its fabt o hide things int hem) and a book shelf at the headrest to have her night teddy bear and book.

But i think it is an inidividual thing. If your cot doesnt convert to a toddler bed then perhaps it would be good to use a toddler bed - as i think the transition will be easier and they can get in and out well - also the good gap between your bubs - means the older on ewill be ready for the big bed when the little one goes to the toddler bed.

But if your cot converts for #2 later - then i would get a big bed and save some $$. Once you buy a second cot mattress, the toddler bed - that would be a good $300-400 you could have put towards a good single bed


HTH

We have a cot