Babies generally fit into two camps of temperament: self settlers and signallers.
Those who are self-settlers will often be able to get themselves to sleep or back to sleep by doing things like sucking on their fists, fingers, or dummy, banging their legs down, or humming.
Whereas those who are signallers need help to get to sleep and back to sleep every time they wake. All babies will become self settlers but there is no set age at which this can happen.
Top 5 tips for cot to bed transition:
Try to put this off as long as possible, the older they are the more you can prepare them for the change, and the more likely they will be emotionally ready.
Plan to do it when there are no other big changes going on and they are in a good phase
Do your bed research. Think about safety, whether they will need a bed guard or consider a floor bed.
Spend time preparing your toddler’s sleep space so that it is safe and that it’s conducive to sleep.
Try a slightly later than usual bedtime so that their sleep pressure is higher which will mean they find falling asleep easier.
Having previously taught in an inner-London primary school Sarah has experienced first-hand how vital sleep, routine, consistency, and setting boundaries are to giving children the right environment to learn and thrive. To find out more and follow her tips, visit her online.
