Attachment parenting/co-sleeping - any experts out there?

[Kalypso]

DS is 21 months and, after a nightmare first 2 weeks when I couldn't get him to sleep out of my arms, I've just gone with the flow and he has been in the bed ever since.

He is very, very cuddly. He wants to actually be cuddling me when he falls asleep and ideally touching my face as well. If I slightly move away, he will move over to me, say "big cuddle" and nestle right in, refusing to settle until my arms are around him.

DH is a bit worried DS is too dependent on me, and sometimes sleeps in the living room to get an undisturbed night (DS doesn't really disturb me, but DH is often woken by his tossing and turning). DS did eventually go to sleep for him the other night when I was out, after much singing and cuddling, but apparently his lip kept wobbling and he wanted "mummy". Most of my friends think I'm crazy to still be allowing DS in the bed, but he's my baby and it feels right for the moment.

So, I love co-sleeping, but I do I also look forward to the day when I can go out in the evening with DH, or anybody else, without having to settle DS first. We're moving early next year, and it would be the ideal opportunity for DS to have his own bedroom. He'll be 2 by then.

The question I suppose I'm asking is what approach would be best to ensure the transition to his own bed (and hopefully room) is as natural and gentle as possible? I don't want DS to be distressed at all. DH is hopefully that a special car shaped bed (or something of similar ilk) will persuade DS to sleep on his own, but I'm not so sure! I am wondering if I need to start now, for example by first of all trying to encourage DS to sleep next to me rather than cuddling right up to me. Although I'm not sure that would work, as he'd be confused and distressed if I didn't reciprocate his cuddles properly.

Any ideas? Is anybody else in a similar situation?

Could you try moving him into a sidecar arrangement to start with, so he's in his own space, but still in the room with you? Or setting up the 'big boy bed' in your room? Then once he's got used to that you could move it into his own room with much fuss about his 'own room' and maybe let him help decorate it, pick out new bedding etc? Some useful info here from an attached perspective (a bit American, but a great site full of good advice which I have used with my own little boy to great effect) www.ahaparenting.com/ask-the-doctor-1/moving-9-month-old-into-own-room-after-cosleeping
Good luck! x

I'm no expert, but I think Dr Sears recommends the 'own bed still in your room' step.

If he's really cuddly, is it worth thinking about introducing a teddy bear or something he could maybe bond with? I know that's probably not strictly AP, but it might be a good transitional object.

Maybe try the No Cry Sleep Solution? I remember a chapter about moving them to their own bed after co-sleeping. I haven't tried it myself though.