I don't know if this helps, but with my DD I started by putting her in the big bed for her day sleeps. The first few were a little hard for her to cope with so i layed with her for a little while and gave her a few of her favourite 'security' items to snuggle with.
About a month or two later, I put her in the big bed for her first night and she slept like a log! We made her cot into a bed for her favourite toys for a few weeks before moving it out of her room completely.
DD1 transitioned really well just removed the cot put in the bed and no problems
But some tips i have heard are:
* For a few nights before putting the bed in remove the side of the cot so they get used to not being "enclosed" and get used to a bed idea whilst still being in the cot.
*throw a big-bed party and celebrate the move to her own bed?
*You could get her to help you set up the new bed. If it seems like a fun idea, take her shopping to choose the bed or bedding, then have her in the room with you while you move the furniture. She’ll be happier if she’s had a say in the move too.
*If possible, make the transition from cot to bed before the birth of your baby or a few months after. Otherwise, your toddler may resent the baby for coming into the house and immediately ‘stealing’ the cot.
*Consider marking the transition by redecorating your child’s room. It doesn’t need to cost a lot; just changing the pictures on the wall or covers on cushions will make the room look different. Involve your child in planning and decorating their new ‘big kid’ bedroom.
We started DD's transition to a toddler bed when she was 14 months old, she is only going to be 21 months when bub #2 is born and she is going into a big single bed.
We started by taking the big side off the cot, and placing a bed rail designed for cots up. Over a few weeks we took off the other side and the high ends. She thought it was great being able to climb up into bed herself, we never really had a problem with putting her to bed as she was a great sleeper and self settled herself, occasionally found her asleep on the bedroom floor somewhere.
We cant get the furniture for her new room until after bubs is born, but we have started collecting the stuff to decorate it, she will move to the new room once it has all been finished and we can make it a big deal. I have considered placing her old toddler bed in there as well in case she doesnt agree with the single bed, bub can use the bassinette for a few nights.
I do really suggest a bed rail though, at least for a little while until they adjust to not having sides to stop them falling, it can help to make them feel more secure as well.
Registered User
Transition from Cot to Big Bed. Any tips appreciated :)
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks