From cot to bed

Take your time, advises the Sister Lilian Centre.

You’ll face a whole new dynamic once your toddler is sprung from behind the bars of his cot, so wait until your baby is at least two years old before you move him to a bed. Some milestones are better delayed!

To accommodate growth, invest in a spacious cot until your little one is truly ready for the move to a ‘big bed’.

Once your little one has progressed to sleeping in a bed, it will be almost impossible to get him back into a cot. Remember, he’ll easily be able to climb out of a bed at night, so there is a risk of injury, and your tot’s sleeping patterns may be negatively affected. After all, a cot provides the security of a smaller, contained space, so he’ll face a major adjustment when this safe space is suddenly extended.

Bed philosophy

Parents often try to get a toddler to grow up faster when they’re expecting a second baby, usually by trying to encourage their tot to move into a bed. However, take care not to make your small toddler feel as though he needs to ‘grow up’, as this will likely backfire, and he’ll become even clingier! He’s still your baby, and if you allow him to be your baby, he’ll handle the transition to ‘big brother’ and ‘big bed’ a lot easier.

How will I know it’s time?

When the cot mattress is at its lowest setting in the base, and the top rail is below your child’s chest, it’s time to move him to a bed. Take note:

• When you do make the move to a ‘big bed’, invest in a sturdy side rail that will prevent tumbles at night.
• At first, place cushions or a mattress alongside the bed on the floor to soften any accidental falls.
• The new bed could be a ‘futon-style’ floor mattress to prevent tumbles.
• A night light helps some toddlers, so they can see where they’re going when getting up.

Nunu numbers

Many parents have a love-hate relationship with their toddler’s security objects. On the one hand, they keep tots happy, but on the other, they seem to represent insecurity, and may pose a hygiene risk. If your tot is emotionally well taken care of, you can relax. All humans have preferred rituals and comforts, and these don’t necessarily represent emotional dependency.

Follow these tips too:

1. Give your toddler lots of attention, and it will be safe to embrace his nunu-blanket.
2. Keep two of the same item, so you can wash one while the other is in use.
3. Get your tot to stow her security object in a safe place during playtime with you, to ensure healthy balance between the need for one and the ability to let go.