Signs your child is ready for a toddler bed.
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There is no set age in which to transition your child from a cot to a toddler bed or a regular bed. However, most parents tend to make the switch between the ages of 18 months and 3 1/2 years of age. While there’s is no magical age for when to make the transition many parents wait until their little ones are 3. It’s often said that children aren’t ready to make the transition until that age. However, every child is different so regardless of when you do decide to make the transition it’s always worth looking out for some telltale signs that your child is ready to make the change to a big bed.
1.
Are you ok for your child to be unsupervised? Will your child be ok with being unsupervised? Ask yourself these crucial questions. are you comfortable with the possibility of your child getting up in the middle of the night and wandering around? If you aren't comfortable with this, it's best to leave them in the cot for now. If you do decide you are satisfied with it now is an excellent time to double-check that your home is toddler-proof. If they are little adventurers, consider using safety gates across their door at night.
2.
They have decided to become little Houdini's. Despite your best efforts to keep them caged, they have managed to break free; when this happens, safety becomes an issue. Be aware this is only a sign that they may be ready to move to a big bed, although they still may not be ready and you may not be prepared. You can try and buy yourself more time by lowering the mattress in the cot as far as it will go.
3.
They ask about having their own bed. They may have a brother or sister or a friend who has already made the transition to a big bed and now they too are curious or have even shown a dislike towards their cot. Consider this a sign that it's time to start thinking about making the change.
4.
Have they simply outgrown the cot? There comes a time when they have outgrown their cot. Ask yourself, does your child look to big when sleeping in the cot, or due to their size are they uncomfortable? If the answer is yes, it may be time to make the change.
5.
Are they good sleepers? If your child is a good sleeper and regularly sleeps through the night, then it may be time to make the transition. If they aren't or take a while to settle, moving them to a bigger bed will be difficult for them and you.
All of the above are signs only; this isn’t something that should be rushed or forced. If they are, then the chances of sleepless nights for you and them could increase. Cots have very clear rails as boundaries; however, toddler beds do not. If you think your child can grasp the concept of imaginary boundaries that they should stay within, then they may be ready to make the transition to a big bed. However, if they are up and down all night, then it’s a sign that they probably aren’t. If there aren’t any signs at all holdback, children grow and mature at different times. Don’t feel forced into it just because a friend or a family members child has already made the change. Look out for the signs and make the change when you are ready and most importantly, when they are ready.