10 things to remember before buying your child's first bed

When the time comes to buying your child’s first bed, there are many things to consider. From the design and style to safety precautions you need to take and how you’ll make the transition as exciting and stress free as possible. To help you, we’ve put together 10 helpful tips to remember before buying your child’s first bed…

Ask yourself if your child is ready

Every child is different and there is no right or wrong time for your child to move into their first bed. You’re the best person to make this decision, as no one knows your child as well as you! Usually parents will make the transition from cot to bed when their child is 18 months, but there are many who wait until their child is around 2-3 years old.

Choose a low bed

There are many reasons that a low bed is the best option for your child’s first bed. Not only does this limit injuries from falls, it makes it much easier for your little one to get in and out all by themselves.

Safety first

Your child’s first bed should have smooth, rounded edges and finishes. If their bed isn’t equipped with safety rails, the bed must be able to be equipped with them if you have to buy them separately. Three other key factors to consider when choosing the bed should be, sturdiness, good construction, and durability – you will want this bed to last for a good few years.

Comfort is everything

Creating a cosy and comfortable bed will have a much higher chance of your child feeling confident and happy to stay in their own bed through the night. We would recommend buying the bed and mattress together to make the first night in the new bed a real success!

Practice makes perfect

Your child may find the first night in their new, bigger bed a little daunting. Why not test drive the bed with their afternoon naps? You could put your child down for a few afternoon naps in the new bed before they sleep in it at bedtime. This way, they’ll be able to become familiar with the bed and more settled when it comes to bedtime.

Make it personal

When a child sees their name on one of their belongings, it can give them a sense of ownership, as well as making them feel more important. If your child is at the stage of moving from a cot to a bigger bed, a personalised bed may help get your little one get into the bed more confidently.

Be patient

It may take your child a while to adjust to their new surroundings – it is a very big step and can be a little overwhelming. This may result in a few sleepless nights for your and your child.  Be patient and help your child grow to love their new bed by committing time to help them settle.

Celebrate the move from cot to bed

It’s important to create a little excitement surrounding the move from cot to bed. Involve your child in picking out their new bed so they feel included and excited about it. If you really want to make a big deal out of it, you could throw a little moving bed pyjama party!

A fun theme

A fun design and colour on kids beds can increase the excitement about transitioning from cot to bed. If you’re little one is into football, then why not pick out a football themed bed? Or an upholstered bed is the perfect choice for any little princess.

Mix the old with the new

We recommend starting off with your child’s old bedding. It’s tempting to buy a new duvet set to go with the new bed, but sometimes it’s a better idea to keep the old bedding if you can. Once your child is settled in the new bed, then you can discuss changing the bedding – too much change at once may cause upset.

Our experts are on hand to answer any of your questions about buying your child’s first bed. Get in touch today!