Moving to a new bed can be a fun and exciting adventure, so why not make it playful? 
Use books and magazines to show your little one pictures of children in beds and small babies in cots. You can even play games with them, using their imagination to sprinkle them with magic dust or dinosaur sprinkles to make the transition fun.

Little tip: Tuck the duvet under the mattress on one side as it can make your child feel more secure like being in a cot.

Moving to a big bed is a significant milestone for young children, as it marks the transition from babyhood to toddlerhood. 

However, this exciting transition can also bring a lot of anxiety and worry for parents. One of the biggest reasons why parents feel anxious when their child transitions to a big bed is because they feel like they're losing control. When your child is in a cot,  parents have the ability to restrict their movements and keep them in one place. However, with a big bed, your child has more freedom to move around and explore their environment.

For parents who have gotten used to the relative safety and security of a cot, the idea of their child moving to a bigger bed and having more freedom to move around can be daunting. 

Here are some tips for parents managing their anxiety related to the loss of control when transitioning their child to a big bed:
 

·         Establish Clear Boundaries: To help maintain a sense of control, it can be helpful to establish clear boundaries around your child's sleep space. So including a stair gate as written above will help set rules around bedtime routines and expectations and can make parents feel calmer about the change.

·         Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment: One way to ease anxiety about your child's sleep is to create a lovely, comfortable sleep space. This can include using familiar bedding and pillows, adjusting the temperature to a comfortable level, and using white noise or calming music to help you both enjoy and relax at bedtime.

·         Encourage Independence: While it may be difficult to let go of control, it is important to encourage your child's independence as they transition to a big bed. This can involve giving them choices around their sleep space, such as letting them pick out their bedtime story or which teddy, and allowing them to be involved in the process of setting up their new bed. They could help build it and personalise it.
 

·         Seek Support: Finally, it can be helpful to seek support from other parents or professionals who have experience with the transition to a big bed. This may involve talking to a sleep specialist, or simply talking to other parents. Talking to other parents who have already gone through the transition can help ease your worries. They can provide you with tips on how to make the transition easier and share their experiences with you. Knowing that other parents have been through the same thing and come out the other side can be very reassuring.
 

In conclusion, moving from a cot to a bed is a big step for your little one, but it doesn't have to be scary or overwhelming.
By keeping safety in mind, getting your little one involved in the process, practicing the transition gradually, sticking to your routine, using the power of play, and getting creative, you can make the transition smooth and fun.
So, are you now more ready for the big move?

Here's to sleeping in their grown up bed. ( I prefer not use big bed as some children often worry what big means)🛏️💤💤

If you want more support with sleep book in a free 15 minute call to discuss how I can support your family.