How to Manage The Transition of Your Baby To Cot Bed

Babies go through stages and adjustments, and so do parents too. One important area to look after is their sleeping lifestyle. How do you keep them sleeping soundly and safely? 

Babies have to be placed in a less prone to disturbance type of environment and comfortable for them to snug for hours. Or, better yet, a cot bed, the convertible type. For many parents, this concern is the utmost priority.

Anyway, do not confuse a cot bed with a crib. They mean the same all throughout the use. The only difference is the terms used for a cosy baby cot that allows your baby to sleep securely and comfortably.

What Is a CotBed?

It is a cot with a convertibility feature suitable for your baby who already outgrows his cot — a toddler. In most cases, it is used from birth up to the time he reaches four years old.

On the other hand, a cot is rigidly designed for newborns up to two years of age. There’s no way to convert it into a toddler’s suitability as it is compact that fits only a smaller nursery room or space. But with a cot bed, you can use it for two more years, which helps prevent future injury. 

When your baby is extremely mobile, he tends to climb over the cot. In instances like this, you can convert a cot into a bed.

When To Flip Cot To Bed For Your Baby?

Several reasons to choose a bed over a cot for your baby. But the crucial factors to consider are as follows:

Suitable Age

Your baby might be showing noticeable signs that he’s ready to stay in bed. Often, it starts in his 18th month to 30 months old. The most common hints are when he stands and reaches for the top rail. Often, he is able to climb out of the cot. 

Well, it’s not surprising because babies are sometimes natural-born climbers! At the age of 8 or 9 months, they are restless inside the cot, which needs your attention. Having them stay and sleep safely in their cots is very important. Learn that the yearly mortality rate also accounts for babies who die in their sleep. Health could be one of the factors, But most of the time, there is no apparent reason.

SIDS Case

Besides checking on their signs, note the so-called sudden infant death syndrome(SIDS). It is also termed cot death. Doctors are not yet able to identify the concrete reasons for this case. They can only caution and advise you to always look after your baby. 

One piece of safety advice is you sleep beside him. This would mean bringing him from the cot stage to the bed phase.

Who could be more at risk for SIDS?

Health experts often find that underweight babies, premature at birth, and multiples are prone to die of this mysterious death syndrome. Ask for experts’ advice if your baby’s condition falls in any of them. Confirm if it is best to end the cot phase and change it to bed period for you to look more closely at him.

Toilet Training

If your baby is ready for toilet training, put him out of the cot. He must be able to get to the toilet room immediately during the day or night time.

What To Do During Transition

Often, you can share a bed with your baby, but preventive measures must be undertaken:

• Check that he won’t fall out of bed.
• He is away from getting trapped between the mattress and the wall.
• If you’re breastfeeding, he does not roll onto his front.
• Avoid sleeping with your baby when drinking alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
• Comfort him when he tries to let him feel that the world outside the cot is safe. In such a way, he can sleep normally.

The Safety 

Your baby’s safety mustn’t be overlooked. As you move him from cot to bed, secure his bedroom. 

• Windows must be secured with safety locks. His head can still go through the opening.
• Put off or away all stuff that may strangle him like curtains and blinds cords. 
• There must be no electrical outlets and appliances in his bedroom.
• Make sure walls are securely installed and no heavy objects are hanging. (They must not fall upon your child).
• Clear his bedroom from any stuff that may choke, pillows, or poisonous substances.
• Put a safe gate in his bedroom.
• Choose a mattress that is soft and cosy.
• Place his bed away from the wall.
• Ensure that his bed has a railing that can prevent him from falling out.

Conclusion

Placing your baby from cot to bed entails several considerations. The topmost area of focus is his safety. It can involve you as parents. The transition must be well-monitored until they can master their bed routines comfortably. You go near them following healthy guidelines.