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10th April 2019
08:20pm BST
Most smallies will make the milestone move to a big boy or girl bed between the ages of two and three. Children with older siblings may be even more eager to get out of the cot and claim their independence - despite the fact that they'll probably just end up in between mum and dad.
Other toddlers aren't so keen to leave the security and comfort of their cot, and may have to be unwillingly prised away from it, especially if their spot is about to be taken over by a new baby. When the time comes, get your little one involved in all the 'big bed' decisions. If possible, get him or her to help choose the bed, new bedsheets and to put away (or clean up) their old cot.
Although some children take to their new sleeping arrangements like a duck to water, others may need to acclimatise a little more gradually. If your son or daughter isn't too sure, let them continue to sleep in their cot at night but play and nap in their big bed until they feel ready to make the change for good. Remind them that they can take any special teddies, blankets or comforters with them, as this can be an unspoken source of anxiety for children.
A bed is a bed, so there isn't a 'perfect' sleep solution for kids. However, when choosing s first bed for your child, keep some of the following safety tips in mind:
1. Avoid designs with sharp corners.
2. Try to purchase a bed with sides that are higher than the mattress, or place a railing on one or both sides (available in most nursery retailers).
3. Make sure that the mattress is the correct size and fit for the bed and that there aren't any gaps or spaces where a child could get trapped.
4. If the bed has a headboard, ensure it is as simple as possible, and avoid bar designs.
5. Although mid-sleepers can offer great storage solutions etc underneath, they are not ideal as a first bed due to their height.
