Top tips to move your toddler from cot to bed

 

moving from a cot to a bed

Are you thinking about transitioning your child from their cot to a big bed? It’s a significant milestone that comes with both excitement and apprehension. But, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this blog, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about transitioning your child from their familiar cot to a new bed. We’ll explore the challenges, joys, and strategies to make this journey as smooth as possible, from understanding when it’s the right time to make the switch to creating a comforting sleep environment.

Keep reading to find out how to make the transition as smooth as possible and ensure your child’s journey to dreamland is filled with comfort, security, and the warmth of your love.

When is the best time to start

  • Choose a time for the transition when your child is relatively stable in their sleep routine and not going through any major changes or disruptions in their life. Avoid periods of stress or upheaval, such as moving house or starting a new nursery.
  • Introduce the new bed gradually and start by placing the new bed in their room alongside their cot for a few days before making the switch. This your child to become familiar with the new bed and feel comfortable with the change.
  • Use familiar bedding and sleep associations in the new bed to help your child feel secure.  You could put their favourite blanket, stuffed animals, and any other comfort items from their cot to their new bed. The familiar smells and textures will help ease the transition.
  • If you have an older sibling who can help, ask them to snuggle down in the bed to show how much they would like to sleep there.

We have another baby on the way

  • It’s important to prepare your child for the change well in advance of having your next baby.
  • Take down the cot a few weeks before the baby is due and replace it with a bed in the same position.
  • Involve your child in decisions about the new bed and focus on a theme that reflects their favourite colour or character.
  • Create a sense of occasion by putting special pictures on the wall by their bed.
  • Use books and magazines to show them pictures of big children in nice beds and small babies in cots.

Keeping your child safe in their new bed

  • When your child first moves into a bed, it’s normal for them to fall out.
  • To keep them safe, choose a bed that is low to the ground and has a safety guard.
  • Childproof the bedroom with safety catches on windows and doors and secure furniture to the walls.
  • Clear toys and objects away at bedtime, especially things that could be used for climbing.
  • Consider putting up a stair gate across the bedroom door the day you introduce the bed to stop night-time wandering.

Routine is key when it comes to sleep

  • Aim to carry out the same series of steps every night, about 30 minutes before your child goes to bed.
  • Have a warm, relaxing bath lasting no longer than 10 minutes, and then go straight from the bathroom into the bedroom.
  • Dim the lights in the bedroom to help with the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.
  • Read one or two stories, have a cuddle and kiss goodnight, and tuck them in with their favourite soft toy so they are warm and cosy.
  • Then leave the bedroom with them drowsy, so they learn to fall asleep independently.
  • Your child should be asleep about 15 minutes later.

 

If you would like to speak to one of our sleep consultants about how you can guide your baby or child towards better sleep, please reach out today. We can chat with you about how we can help offer practical and gentle sleep strategies.

Written by Mandy Gurney RGN.RM.Dip HV.

Founder Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic

 

My baby is standing up at bedtime

Helping Your Baby Navigate the Standing Phase

A Guide to Smoother Bedtimes

standing up in the cot

 

  • As your baby approaches their first birthday, you’ll notice their growing mobility as they eagerly practice their new skills. A common challenge at this stage is when your baby learns to stand but struggles to lower themselves back down. Once you help them settle, they might stand up again, turning bedtime into a game that can last until they fall asleep from sheer exhaustion.

 

  • To ease this transition, ensure your baby has plenty of floor time during the day. Engage in activities that encourage them to practice pulling up and sitting back down. This helps them develop the muscle memory needed to lower themselves safely.

 

  • Once you’re confident in their ability to do this, try leaving them standing for a short time while you sit or lie beside their crib. Occasionally tap the mattress and gently say, “It’s sleepy time, lie down.” When they start to tire, lay them down. If they spring back up, remain calm and continue to lie low, giving them the chance to settle themselves.

 

  • If your baby is happily standing and content for a minute or two, you can come and go from the room, laying them down each time you return. You might have to repeat this process numerous times, especially during the first few nights. As soon as your baby stays lying down, tell them they’re a good boy or girl and then settle them to sleep as you usually do.

 

  • By incorporating these strategies, you’ll help your baby develop the skills they need to navigate this new phase, making bedtime a smoother experience for both of you.

 

Written by Mandy Gurney RGN.RM.DipHV

Founder Millpond Children’s Sleep Clinic

How Developmental Stages Affect Baby and Child Sleep

Human sleep undergoes continuous change from the pre-born baby through to adulthood, with the most rapid changes occurring in the first 6 months of life. 

As your baby and child grow, their sleep patterns evolve rapidly, especially during their first year. Just when you think you’ve got their sleep figured out, new developmental milestones can come into play, sometimes causing what’s commonly referred to as s ‘sleep regression’.

In this blog, we’ll explore how these developmental stages—from early motor skills to language development and more—can have an impact on your baby and child’s sleep. Understanding these changes can help you better navigate and adapt to your child’s evolving sleep needs, ensuring both you and your little one get the rest you need.

 

help baby's sleep

Your Babies Sleep: Age 6 to 12 months

  • Nighttime Sleep:

By now, your baby will have the majority of their sleep at night, although it is still common for them to wake occasionally. Non-REM sleep dominates early in the night, promoting deep restorative sleep. By the middle of the night, REM sleep becomes more prominent, which is important for cognitive development and memory consolidation. REM sleep accounts for about 30% of the total sleep time at this age.

The average amount of nighttime sleep for most babies at this age is 10 to 11 hours with or without waking for feeds. This extended nighttime sleep is supported by the gradual reduction of daytime sleep and the development of longer periods of wakefulness during the day.

  • Sleep Cycles:

Your baby’s sleep cycle at this stage is roughly 90 minutes long at night. This cycle includes both deep non-REM sleep, which helps with physical restoration, and lighter REM sleep, which supports brain development and dreaming. As they transition through these cycles, your baby may stir or wake briefly.

  • Naps:

Around 6 months of age, your baby will typically take three distinct naps throughout the day. These naps help them manage their increasing wakefulness during the day. By 9 months, your baby’s capacity to stay awake between naps improves significantly. As a result, they often drop their late afternoon nap, consolidating their daytime sleep into two main naps.

  • Separation Anxiety:

Around the age of 7 months, many babies begin to experience separation anxiety, which can lead to noticeable sleep disruptions. This developmental phase is marked by your baby’s growing awareness of their attachment to you and an increased sensitivity to your absence.

During this time, your baby may become distressed when you leave the room or when it’s time for bed. They might cry, reach out, or resist being put down in their crib, reflecting their newfound understanding that you might not be immediately available. This separation anxiety is a sign of a secure attachment, indicating that your baby has formed a strong bond with you and is developing emotional depth.

  • Physical Development:

As your baby develops new motor skills such as sitting, crawling, and cruising, you may notice disruptions in their sleep patterns. This phase of physical growth is marked by increased exploration and practice of these newly acquired skills, which can extend into their sleep environment.

When your baby is learning to sit up or crawl, they might practice these movements even while in their cot, leading to frequent awakenings or restlessness during the night. 

  • Language Development:

As your baby begins to speak their first words, you might notice an increase in sleep disturbances. This period of language development is marked by a busy, active mind that’s processing and trying out new skills.

Your baby’s growing ability to recognise and use words can lead to heightened mental activity, even during sleep. They might wake up more frequently as their brain processes new vocabulary, phrases, and concepts learned throughout the day. Additionally, they may experiment with sounds or practice speaking just as you’re trying to calm them ready for sleep.

  • Teething:

Teething can be a challenging period for both you and your baby, often leading to discomfort that can disrupt their sleep. As new teeth push through the gums, your baby may experience soreness and overall discomfort, which can result in more frequent night awakenings. 

During this potentially long and difficult time, it’s best to respond to your baby’s needs. You can help soothe their discomfort by offering teething toys that are chilled or gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. Additionally, using a mild pain reliever, as recommended by your paediatrician, can provide relief. Maintaining a consistent bedtime routine and offering extra comfort during night wakings can also help your baby feel more secure and ease their teething troubles.

 

help toddlers sleep

Your Toddler’s Sleep: Age 1 to 2 Years 

Between 12 and 15 months, most toddlers transition to a single daytime nap, typically taken after lunch. To help prevent overtiredness and make bedtime smoother, consider moving bedtime earlier.

At this stage, your toddler might develop minor fears, such as of animals or loud noises, which can disrupt bedtime. They may also form a strong attachment to one parent, experience tantrums when frustrated, and show increased separation anxiety, especially around 18 months.

As your toddler’s understanding of simple commands and language grows, they may begin walking and climbing, fostering newfound independence that can lead to bedtime challenges.

They will enjoy listening to stories and might start testing boundaries for more.

help my child sleep

Your Child’s Sleep: Ages 2 to 5 Years

During this stage, your child may start experiencing nightmares and developing fears, such as a fear of the dark. They might ask for a nightlight or request that the door be left open at bedtime. Their anxiety about being alone in a room can make settling down more challenging.

The transition from a cot to a bed can introduce a sense of freedom for your child, which may lead to resistance at bedtime or an increase in night wakings.

By age 3, your child’s sleep will typically consolidate into a single nighttime sleep as daytime naps reduce and often stop by this age.

Many children also begin to stay dry at night and may move out of nappies. This new awareness of their need to use the toilet can occasionally disrupt their sleep.

Increased independence at this age might result in resistance to bedtime routines, such as getting dressed, brushing teeth, or going to bed.

Additionally, starting nursery or school introduces significant changes that can unsettle your child and affect their sleep.

From age 3, children can usually wait for short periods at bedtime and start to understand the concept of rewards, which can be used to encourage positive behaviour changes.

By age 5, children are typically able to articulate their fears, worries, and frustrations more effectively.

Millpond Logo

Contact Us

sleep@millpondsleepclinic.com 020 8444 0040

Follow us