When can a child go into a "big bed"?

[judemum]

I am expecting my second baby in December and want to move my oldest into a "big bed" with just a barrier (the clip on ones you can buy), so the new baby goes into the cot bed and I don;t have to buy another cot bed. However, my oldest will have only just turned two and is used to his cot bed and I'm a bit worried this is all too soon and it will end in disaster. He's a good sleeper at the moment. Can anyone let me have any advice on the right age to move a child to a big bed and any other tips on this? Thanks

It depends on the child. Is he likely to fall out? How high would the big bed be?

If you use a crib or moses basket for the baby that may extend the time allowed for him to adjust.

If you are worried about him falling, a mattress on the floor next to the bed may help until he gets used to it.
If you are worried about him getting up and wandering in the night a stair gate on the door may help.

Both my dds moved into a single bed at around two.

when ds was born I had the same problem, but decided to delay things by putting ds to sleep in the carry cot for the first 4 months - just so dd was a bit older really and also so that the moving to a big bed thing wouldn't coincide with the upheaval of getting a new brother.

but when the move came it was easy - I just made out it was a big exciting thing because she was such a big girl now. I had the bed set up in the room for a few days before trying. with ds it was the same, bar one "want cot" night. extra stories and cuddles distracted him though.

Another little trick is to take them to buy their own bedding. It's amazing how much of an opinion they can have even at that age. Is there a favorite character on TV that he likes? Sleeping under a duvet with 'Buzz' or whoever on is a real adventure. We also had the bed in the room for a little while before thinking of moving him there permantly to get used to it. Also you could maybe put him down in it for his day time naps if he still has them as a start to moving him in permantly. You never know he may surprise you with wanting to sleep in his 'Big Boys Bed'.

Very very helpful and reassuring. The new bed would just be a normal adult single bed, but with the bed guard thing and I agree I should delay the transition by keeping new baby in the moses basket as long as possible. You have given me some confidence though as if other people do it at around two then he should be ok as he's a pretty easy kid. Just feel bad disrupting his happy bed time, but it has to happen at some point...he'll also be going into his new room at the same time, so that the baby goes into his nursery.

Judemum, have you moved your child into the big bed yet? I have ordered a regular sized single bed for 22 month old dd which is arriving in Nov - and have been panicking slightly ever since and wondering if it will be too much too soon and should I change it to a cot bed or toddler bed! How are things going with you?