Moving child to 'big bed'.

Hi

My daughter is 16 months old and we are expecting our 2nd baby in July.

In my daughters room (besides her cot) is a double bed. Anytime that she has been sick or unsettled I've slept in there with her. So there have been plenty of nights spent in that bed.

She really doesn't like being in her cot anymore and sleeps better in the big bed. I bought a safety rail. She has been walking for a while now and can competently get off the bed on her own (and is quite proud of herself). I don't cover her with any blankets as she cannot stand it. I just make sure that she is dressed appropriately in her jarmies.

So knowing this I let her sleep in the bed on her own last night for the first time. She was fine, had a good sleep and was getting out of bed at 5am when I checked on her. I put her into bed with us and we slept for another couple of hours.

I've just been going with what seemed right for us ... till I googled a little while ago and this seems like its a bit young. Although parents seem to have a lot of trouble once children are about 2.5 when they change.

Anyhoo looking for thoughts/comments and opinions ........

Cheers

From memory, DS was about 22 months old - and DD1 was 14/15 months old.

I needed the cot for the next child, but didn't do it so they felt they were kicked out of it for that reason, I made sure it was special for them :)

I think you know when your child is ready. Sounds like your little one is ready and youre doing a great job! :)

DD was 14 months when we put her in a big bed (she could get out of her cot though :o) Took to it well and didnt even realise she could get out of bed and muck around at night until she hit 2 :doh:

DD was about 15 months when we moved her to a bed. she had never slept well in her cot and was on a mattress on the floor for about three months while we dithered about getting her a bed. If she is comfortable and safe definitely not too young.

Cots are a cultural item not a biologically or developmentally necessary one IYKWIM. If she is safe and happy then what is there to worry about? She is fine.