Can DD go straight from cot to double bed?

[felicity877]

DD is 18 months old and sleeps in a cot. There’s also a double bed in her room and I’m wondering when I should switch her from the cot to the bed? I really don’t want to buy a cot bed if I can help it, unless they’re really necessary. Also is it ok to have a small child sleeping in a double? All advice welcome, thank you.

I'd wait until as close to 3 as possible to move out of the cot as it keeps them contained and safe. If they start climbing out then obviously move to a bed sooner. It's quite nice being able to move them to a double as you can make a pillow wall to stop them from falling out of bed. My girls both have doubles just because we had one already and it means they can bunk together leaving a spate double bed for guests when needed. Also it will be there bed forever...when they are grown ups and want to come home to stay etc. Saves money in the long run x

I think it's worth trying the move whenever you are both ready. My eldest moved from his cot to a double bed a little after his second birthday. He moved bedrooms on his own initiative into what was the guest room. Said he wanted a big bed. We've since updated the decor in what is now his room.

DS1 moved from a cot to a double bed shortly after his 2nd birthday. We didn't have a lot of choice as he learned how to climb out of his cot so we put him straight into the spare bed as it seemed safer. He was fine

Dd was in a cot till she was 3. She wasn’t a climber and I couldn’t be bothered to take it all apart

She went straight into a double bed and it was fine. So keep in as long as possible IMO.

We went straight from a cot to a full size mattress, but it was on the floor, which turned out to be a good idea as DD kept rolling off it - you can get bed rails, not sure if they're made for doubles; might be worth finding out.

My sons both went straight from a cot to double beds as they both turned 2 (2 years apart) as I needed the cot for the next child. At the start I used to place folded spare duvets on the floor in case they fell out but they were fine with in a week or 2.

I wouldn't unless the bed was low to the floor.

Ds was that age, actually a bit younger and went into a single bed with a bed rail. He climbed out of his cot and after seeing an accident with a child doing the same I would strongly recommend the minute they climb get them into a bed.

I’d move her as soon as she climbs out of the cot for safety. If she doesn’t climb, my DD didn’t, then I’d wait until she’s around 3. Of course she’ll be fine in a double though, it’s just a bigger mattress! To stop her rolling out use a bed guard if you can find one suitable for doubles or if not a rolled up towel under the fitted sheet near the edge of the bed will do. I’d push the bed up against the wall though so it’s just one side exposed.

I think you can get bed guards to fit a double. We moved all 3 of ours at 21-24 months, two into toddler beds and one into an Ikea day bed, all with bed guards.