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Moving from cot to bed: when and how should I move my toddler?

There is no set time to move your child from the cot to a toddler bed although most children make the transition between 1½ to 3½ years of age.

The urge to move your toddler from the cot to a toddler bed will usually be brought on by your toddler climbing out of the cot. At this age, a toddler wants to declare his independence! Climbing out of his cot is doing just that. Once this happens, many parents make the switch because they are worried their child will get hurt climbing out of his cot. Although the intention is good, you must make sure that your toddler is ready to move on.

The cot has been your child’s haven for so long an abrupt departure can be devastating. The first time your toddler climbs out of the cot, adjust the frame to the lowest settings (so the sides are in effect higher) before rushing out to buy a toddler bed. This will buy you some time and allow you to make the transition slowly.

Start the process by talking to your toddler about their new big ‘boy bed’.  It may even be helpful to take your child to a furniture shop to see all the beds and encourage them along the way. Once you purchase the toddler bed, place it in the same location as the cot was in and make sure to explain every step of the process to your toddler. This will hopefully get them enthused about the idea and make them feel special.

Most importantly, make sure that all safety hazards are eliminated. Once your toddler is in a bed instead of a cot, he will be able to wake up and leave the bed to explore.

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There is no set time to move your child from the cot to a toddler bed although most children make the transition between 1½ to 3½ years of age.

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