🛌Cot to bed transition🛌
Everyone talks about the first night baby moves into their own room, but nobody really talks about their first night in a bed rather than a cot! I actually remember the first night for all 3 of my older boys, for different reasons that I will explain at the end of this post!
It can feel like a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Here’s what I advise:
1. Pick the right time
Ideally, wait until your child shows signs they’re ready: climbing out of the cot, needing more space, or being able to understand simple instructions (usually after 18 months, but often closer to 2–3 years). Personally, we moved ours out around 20 months just before I gave birth to their little brother so they didn’t feel ‘pushed out’ with so many big changes at once.
2. Choose the bed carefully
You can start with a toddler bed (lower to the ground and often can use the cot mattress) or a regular single bed with a bed guard.
3. Make the room safe
Since they’ll have more freedom, baby-proof everything – most importantly secure furniture to walls
4. Keep it familiar
Use the same bedding from the cot if possible (like their familiar blanket or sleeping bag) so the new bed feels cozy and safe.
5. Start with naps if needed
Some parents transition daytime sleep first, then overnight when the child feels more comfortable. Personally, we did it all in one go!
6. Stick to the routine
Keep your bedtime routine exactly the same (bath, books, cuddles) so there’s consistency.
7. Expect some ups and downs
It’s normal for them to get out of bed at first. Calmly and quietly return them without making a big fuss.
My eldest didn’t get out of bed for the first few months because he didn’t realise he could 😂. My second was in with his brother (two toddler beds) and copied him by staying in bed. My third was in a triple bunk bed (bottom bunk) with his two older brothers and got out of bed so many times I regretted my decision 73626 times that night. The picture above is probably a true representation of how he felt in his big boy bed 😂 Night 2 he didn’t get out of bed so it was purely a novelty that he got over pretty quickly!
