The time will come when your baby officially becomes a toddler and a cot is no longer big enough, or safe enough, to accommodate them during the night. Making sure your toddler is able to sleep as soundly and safely as they did when they were a baby is a concern for parents.

Fortunately there are some fantastic products on the market that can make the transition from cot to toddler bed simple and worry-free.

When to move your child into a toddler bed

The move from cot to toddler bed can generally begin any time from 18 months-old to three and half years-old. Parents will typically see their infant’s efforts to climb out of the cot as a sign they need to be in a proper bed. This isn’t always the case. While a proper bed will take away the worry of your child climbing out of a cot and hurting themselves, you need to assess whether your little one is likely to go wandering about during the night and do themselves more harm if there are no sidebars keeping them in.

Here are a few tips if you feel your child is not ready to make the move to a toddler bed just yet:

The Climber - If your little one is starting to show signs of becoming a mountain climber you can adjust the cot mattress to its lowest setting. This will work for a short while but as they grow it is less likely to have an effect.

Clear the cot of clutter - Children are ingenious in there efforts to move about and your infant could be using all those cuddly toys in the cot as a means to get leverage over the sidebars. Take them out and delay the need for that toddler bed.

Was it worth it? - If your infant makes a bid for freedom and you reward them by allowing them into your bed, they will do it again. Be firm but calm and tell them not to do it again as you place them back into the cot. They’ll soon catch on that maybe climbing out is not such as good idea.

Become a spy - Stay out of view but keep an eye on your child while they’re in the cot. If you spot them trying to get out appear from your hiding place and firmly tell them not to do it. Once this has happened a few times they’ll stay where they are.

If you’ve tried some of these tips already and without luck then perhaps the time has come for a toddler bed. Also, if your infant is being potty trained it is a good idea for them to be in a toddler bed anyway as they will need to get to the toilet quickly and will learn to use the loo at night when necessary.

Keeping your toddler safe and happy at night

Remember, the transition between cot and toddler bed may not be easy. Some children adapt to a new sleeping area quickly while others will resist the change because of a strong attachment to their cot. Make the switch as pain-free as possible by putting the new bed in the same place as the cot. If it becomes too traumatic or difficult for the child to sleep in their new bed, have the cot ready to move back in.

Okay, so it’s time for that toddler bed but you’re still a little worried about your precious one rolling out and hurting themselves. Bed guards and secure safety rails are widely available and attach to the side of the bed with the ability to fold down when you need access to your child and their bedding.

Safe and Secure Soft Folding Bedrail

Don’t forget that a new bed means your toddler will now be in a new sleeping area and may need a little reassurance when you’re not there. Night-time anxiety typically develops when a child reaches the age of two or three (fear of the dark, monsters in the cupboard etc.).

Fun night lights display images and colours to provide a soothing glow in the room for little ones who are afraid of the dark.

Tomy Starlight Dreamshow

For those toddlers who are a little older and need a fun way of learning when the best time to get up is, a nightlight/alarm clock combination is a great solution. Acting as a soothing night light for babies and a chirpy alarm clock to let toddlers know when it’s time to get out of bed, it’s the perfect product for parents who want that little bit extra sleep (hopefully!).

Kidsleep Nightlight/Alarm Clock

Many babies will already have a comforting toy they’re familiar with that helps them sleep. If you’re looking for something that will do more, sleep assisting toys now have soothing sounds and aromas that can help your toddler fall asleep in their new bed.

The Sleep Sheep for example has sounds that include: the mother’s heartbeat as heard in the womb, spring rain that helps create a calming atmosphere lulling your toddler to sleep or ocean surf - the gentle sound of the sea rolling in and out providing a tranquil environment.

Sleep Sheep