When your toddler moves to her own big bed, it’s an exciting time for her and a sign she’s growing fast. However, unless you have to do it (for example if you have a new baby on the way), take stock to assess when the time is right.
If your child is still safe and comfortable in her cot, there’s no harm in letting her stay there until she feels ready to move on to a ‘grown-up’ bed (although she may well feel excited at the prospect). However, if your child is making attempts to climb out, it’s probably wise to make the move sooner rather than later. If space allows, put up the new bed in the room so your toddler gets used to seeing it from her cot before actually sleeping in it.
If you’re expecting another baby, try to make the change to the new bed well in advance of the new one’s arrival, so that your older child has time to settle in and get used to her new surroundings (especially if it means moving rooms as well). If you can afford to, it helps to redecorate her room, with her active involvement in choosing colours, duvets, pictures and decorations.
If you just fancy a refresh, some new accessories, such as a new lightshade or pictures, might be in order to add excitement to the event and make her room more personal.
the importance of routine
Now more than ever you should make the time to have a comforting bedtime routine for your child so that she settles and sleeps well, and doesn’t view going to bed as a battle. She’ll be increasingly aware that you continue to stay up and ‘have fun’ without her.
As bedtime draws near, encourage play that helps her to wind down rather than energetic physical activity. Routines, such as a glass of milk and a biscuit, cleaning teeth and getting into pyjamas, will help her to know it’s time to get ready for bed and sleep. Try to avoid these seeming like a chore – perhaps clean your teeth together to make it more fun, and make a game of choosing which pyjamas to wear.
Use the wind-down routine as an opportunity to share some quiet, close time together. Reading storybooks, talking about what you’ve done during the day and perhaps singing some lullabies will all make going to bed a time to look forward to. Make sure the bedroom environment is quiet, not too bright and suitable for sleep. Blackout blinds can help to create the right mood for sleeping, especially in the summer months.
If your child tries delaying tactics to stop you leaving (eg asking for more and more stories), then deal with this calmly and consistently. For example, get her to choose three books before you settle down together, then don’t give in to pleas for more.
After story-telling and lullabies, tuck her in and give her a final kiss and cuddle goodnight, making sure her favourite toy or blanket is by her side. Leave purposefully but quietly, pulling the door to but left ajar so she is reassured of your presence in the house.