Bedtime can be a tricky subject for parents and children, but there are many ways to ensure that both you and your child can get a good night's sleep.
Here are five tips for helping you to get the most out of your experience transitioning your child from cot to bed at night.
Do it Slowly
Transitioning from cot to bed can be a huge step for a child, so make sure you complete the process slowly, starting in incremental changes.
Check in with them at every stage, and if they have worries about their new routine, be reassuring and comforting.
Let them Choose their Bed
Choosing a first bed can be a fun experience for all involved, especially when you involve your child too!
Companies like Archers Sleep Centre can help you find the ideal transition bed for your child. From novelty Kidsaw beds modelled around racing cars, princess carriages and JCB diggers, to funky bed frames, they have something for every child.
If you choose a bed without raised sides, make sure to invest in some bed guards to make sure your child stays safe and secure in bed all night without fear of falling out.
Buy a New Cuddly Toy
Cuddly toys can create an enjoyable experience at bedtime. Create a roleplay situation to "settle" the toys into their new bed sometime before your child's bedtime, and this will help your child to feel that there is something more familiar about their bed when they come to sleep in it.
You can also buy them a new toy to distract from the change in routine, and as a reward for coping with the change. Companies like Jellycat are famed for their soft animal-inspired toys that will help your child get well on their way to the land of nod.
Let Them Help You Choose New Bedding
Adjusting to bedding after being in a cot can be an experience, so get your child involved in helping you choose which bedding they would like on their new bed.
From dinosaurs to rainbows and enchanted unicorns, companies like Dunelm have a wide range of bedding specially designed for children. Let them choose an interesting design and they can help you put it together.
Accessorise with blankets, and if your child is afraid of the dark, opt for some glow-in-the-dark stars to stick on the ceiling or walls to provide some gentle relief.
Have some time to wind down before bed
Get into a routine of having some time to wind down an hour or so before bedtime and do activities that are low-stress like reading and bathing that will keep your child feeling calm.
Carry out any energetic activities earlier in the day to tire them out, as this will promote better sleep.
Do you have any tips for transitioning a child from a cot to a bed? Leave your answer in the comments below!
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