What bedding do I need for a first bed?

[ElusiveMoose]

Going shopping this weekend for a first bed for DS (2.6 and still in a cot at the moment, with a sleeping bag). We're probably going for a standard single bed.

May sound like a silly question, but what bedding do I need to get for him? I'm assuming I just need a normal duvet - but what tog? And do you get normal pillows or what? (I'm definitely a two pillow girl myself, but the new pillows you can get look quite big for a small head ).

Plus if you have any tips for a peaceful transition into a big boy's bed for a child who is violently suspicious of any form of change, bring it on .

A spring-weight duvet and one pillow - I bought the ultra washable ones from M&S for my DDs, don't know if they still have them but they aren't too high for little people. He probably won't use the pillow at first anyway.

If there's space in his room, make up the bed without dismantling his cot and let him get used to the idea. Only transfer him when he wants to. There's no rush. DS is 3.6 and STILL in his cot!

Oh, I'm only moving DS because there's a new baby coming along in the summer, and I want to get him well established in a bed first. Otherwise I'd happily keep him in his cot until he was about 12! Thanks for the tip about the bed - not sure there's room, unfortunately, but we'll see.

If you're getting a standard single bed, don't buy too good a mattress, because it's going to be covered with a variety of charming bodily fluids. Wait for a few years before upgrading.

Also, when the bed arrives, don't let them take the plastic off the mattress - the cover it comes in works better than a rubber sheet, until it tears.

If he is happy in the sleeping bag, then leave him in that. DS2 is still in a sleeping bag 6 mths after going into a bed. He is happy in it, and I will only take him out once he starts to use the toilet.

All good advice, thanks.

Eglu, I had thought of that, but my worry was that he'd try to get up in the night and trip over in his bag. Do you not find that's a problem? Also, do you use a pillow with the sleeping bag now, or just have DS2 on the flat mattress? (No sign of imminent potty training in our house yet, so trips to the loo won't be a problem for a while.)

DS2 does have a pillow. He doesn't try to get up in the night. He is rather proficient at walking in his grobag though. He can make it through to our bedroom in the morning quite easily.