Moving from cot to toddler bed

Hi there,

We are TTC baby #2 and are just thinking about options in terms of nursery furniture.

We were thinking that it might be worth getting DD a brand new toddler bed, and use our current cot for the new baby.

Can anyone tell me how old their toddler was when they transitioned to a bed, and how we might tell if she's ready? If she's not ready then we'll simply buy a new cot, but I have found the most gorgeous sleigh toddler bed and would love to get it for DD.

If I am pregnant this cycle then DD would be 25mths when bub #2 was born - is this too young for a toddler bed? Any advice appreciated!!

TIA!

Hi

Sorry I have no advice but I'm in a similar situation now, our 2nd bub is due in Nov which means their age gap will be 17 months. DS will be moving into a toddler bed in the first few months of having a new brother or sister (we have a portacot to use in the meantime). So hoping someone can shed some light :-)

Thanks

We moved dd1 at 18 months, she was getting very bored in her cot when she woke up. She was sleeping on a pillow and under her doona so we figured she was ready. We took the side of the cot off first before moving her to the bed.

Dd was so excited to be in a bed, we made it very special for her. I am sure your dd will be fine being moved.

All kids are different - my DD1 was ready for a 'big girl's bed' at probably 20ish months but we only just got around to buying one a few weeks ago (she'll be 3 in August). She transitioned perfectly, and I put it down to two things.
A) While she was in the cot, she had a single-bed sized doona and pillow with matching pillowcase and quilt cover, and we told her that when she got into a big bed she would keep her doona and pillow and use them in the big bed. That familiarity provided lots of comfort and security for her in making the transition, she was already attached to the bedding and knew that 'spotty blankie' would keep her warm at night.
B) Talking up the transition before it happens - we have been planning the big move for months and often talked to DD1 about how awesome it would be for her to get rid of her little baby cot and start sleeping in a big bed like a big girl. How exciting! How grown-up! It would still be in her room, with all her things, she could snuggle with Barnslig and Moo Cow but it would be in a very beautiful big bed like mummy and daddy's.

Just small things, I know, but it worked for us and I think it was very easy on her. Before making the transition, I'd suggest talking to her about how not only is she moving into a big bed because she's such a grown-up girl now, but that there will be a new baby coming along and that little baby will need a place to sleep - and what better place than DD's cot? If she 'gifts' her cot to the new baby, that's even better - there will be less resentment if she feels like she's moved on before being forced to give up her cot, kwim?

HTH :) Best of luck! You will know when your little one is ready - it usually takes a few nights to get settled once they realise they can just jump out of bed instead of being confined (it's a novelty lol) but it shouldn't be too tricky :) Good luck TTCing, I hope it happens very soon for you!

DD1 moved into a bed at 3yrs but was in a Boori cot with the sides off from about 2 yrs. We knew she was ready for the sides to be off when she climbed out of her cot onto the change table next to it and i found her sitting on the change table pulling out baby wipes and throwing them around like confetti.:-0

DD2 moved into a big bed at 16 months. She was screaming every time i put her into her cot but settled herself if she was in a normal bed (mine or the spare room). Just a determined little one who thinks she can keep up with her older sister.

They both let us know in their own way that they were ready themselves.

If you think she is ready but you are not sure put the mattress on the floor for a bit. After a week or so put the mattress on the bed during the day. You will be able to see if she is ready to sleep in the bed at night time. :)

Awesome - thanks for the feedback ladies - very much appreciated :)

I'm thinking of this also, some great info here. Following this thread :)