Transitioning from Cot to Single Bed

[NE90]

Help! My son is 2.5 and has only ever slept in his cot (in a sleeping bag), it's not a convertible toddler bed, just a cot, and he's never tried to climb out of it. We're only swapping him to a bed now as we need the cot and nursery for my 7 month old.

He simply will not sleep in his new bed! He becomes hysterical and just screams for his cot. I have tried lying in the bed with him and that doesn't work.

A family member suggested putting his cot in the new bedroom and letting him sleep in it to get used to his new room, and then trying the bed.

Does anyone have any suggestions/help?

My 7 month old is still fine in his Next2Me, so we have some time to try and get my toddler adjusted to his new bed.

Thanks a lot x

[MissSaoPaulo]

Could he pick out his own new bedding to get him enthusiastic about it? Or start him off just having his naps there, and gradually move up to nighttime? Or if he sleeps in his big bed he can take one of his toys with him - ok, it's bribery, but might work!!Mine's been in a bed since about 18 months when she began to be able to escape from her cot 🤦‍♀️ so I guess she was wanting a change, but it's so hard for them (and you) if they don't feel ready xxx

[triplecats]

I would take his cot to his new room and place it next to his new bed, after a couple of nights remove the cot side next to his new bed and allow him some play time (supervised) to get used to it, he will be able to feel the difference between the cot and the bed and it will help his confidence to grow about moving from an enclosed space to a wide open space, after he has slept a couple of nights with the cot side off ask him if he would like to try his big boy bed. This way the first few nights he will feel safe as he is still in his cot and it will give him time to adjust to his surroundings. Allow him plenty of play time in his new room. Maybe take him to choose a new night light or something you know he would like for his new room. Take it slowly, every child is different, what works for one may not work for another.