Moving into a bed

[sparkle101]

Hi

Dd is 2.6 and I am 16 weeks pregnant with dc2.

We want to move dd out of a cot into a bed and also swap rooms. I think it would be better to do it all at once but dh thinks maybe put bed into nursery and then move into spare room when she's used to it. I think by doing it all at once its one change rather than two.

Any advice on how to make the move easier gratefully appreciated, would you do it in one or two changes? And finally any recommendations for beds?

We have holiday end of march and I have end of may as well, we have to do a big clean out of room and decorate, if that helps at all. Dc2 due mid August.

One change for sure, then you can make it into an exciting 'big girl' thing. Advice:

• get a low full-size single bed rather than a toddler bed, unless the DC will be in bunk beds when the baby grows out of the cot.
• get a bed guard. The soft Lindam one works well for us.
• involve your DD in choosing a duvet cover and pillowcase (you can get more yourself) and making choices on decorating her own room to match.

I thought one big thing would be good as you say then its all a big girl thing.

I was thinking about putting a pillow in her cot, is this a good idea or should I wait till she's in bed?

Any other ideas gratefully received including any bed ideas. Dd is a great sleeper and will play in her cot be herself till we go in to get her - about 7:30-8. Will this go out of the window if she's in her own bed?

DS has never got himself out of bed so escaping is not inevitable! I can't help on beds I'm afraid as DS was in a cot bed but when he outgrows that I'll be looking for a low-ish single bed with underbed storage.

I had same fears as you about end of naps, bedtime antics & no more lie-ins once we put ds into a bed. He's been in it for about 5 weeks now & touch wood we havent had any trouble at all! Ok he's a lityle reluctant to get in at naptime but i give him a choice of get in & i'll tuck him in or i'll go & he has to get in by himself & no cuddle/tuck. Usually does the trick . Bedtime no botger whatsoever & in the morning & at naptime when he wakes, he chats & waits for me to go & get him. When i go in he gets out by himself so its not even like he hasnt figured it out. Has been a pleasant surprise! Agree with pp do it all in one go. Good luck!

botger?! I mean bother!

I'm not sure what the websites are (I just googled girls cot bed in the images tab) but there are some absolutely amazing beds online for very very reasonable prices. eBay had some very good personalised ones.

I think its a great tip to make it an exciting thing for her and you can help her pick one with her favourite character etc on it! Also, notonthehighstreet.com or co.uk has some really nice wall stickers/decorations if you wanted to extend the 'change' to her whole bedroom! x