Transition from co sleeping to bed

[Lizzy1975]

Hi there - my 25 month old has always co slept and we've loved it. However, my second child is due in a few months time and in preparation we've bought a small bed. My son loves it - helped choose it, will happily sit and play in it and lay down to have a story, but as soon as its time to sleep he will get into our bed. Since the beginning of the year I have been going to bed at the same time as him due to severe tiredness/morning sickness, so he is used to having a cuddle with me in bed to get off to sleep (I know, I know).

Any advice please on how to tackle this? The bed is in our room and there's no option to move it.

Ideas- encourage better associations with the new bed e.g. do storytime in the new bed, or buy a new book that's only to be read in the new bed... You could do stories in the new bed but go to sleep in the big bed, then pop him back in the new bed when he's asleep and stay nearby so that if he is disturbed you can give a quick "mummy's here, sleepytime" or whatever , he's more likely to settle back to sleep, and get used to settling in the new bed. Or introduce the new bed for naps.

Disclaimer- my son was excited about his new bed at about 18m and did sleep in it a few times but at just-turned 3 he still co-sleeps. He likes playing in his own bed and likes putting his soft toys to bed. Good luck.