My son is going to be 18 months old (exactly) when #2 comes along for us. I've had the same dilemma as I didn't want to get a 2nd cot.

I did a post a while ago... (What age to go into a bed??) and asked for advice. A few of those mums said that 18 months was okay.

I've bought my son a car bed, so it has sides on it so he can't fall out. My concern is that he will crawl out to play with his toys. But then, that could happen any time - and probably moreso as he got older!.

So I've decided to put my son in his big bed around 15 months old... so he has 3 months to get used to it before baby cames along. Some people suggested I use the big bed for day sleeps to start with. I'll see how he goes. Maybe he will adapt really well. I know it will be easier for me to lie down with him when he is upset. At the moment I'm on the floor with my hands through the cot bars trying to pat him.