Joanna Fortune: My two-year-old no longer wants to sleep in her cot 

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My two-year-old daughter wants to sleep in a bed instead of the cot. I’m not in a hurry, as we’ve only recently got her into a good bedtime routine. Should I take her seriously or stick to what’s working?

There isn’t an absolute answer to your question — ultimately, it will come down to your parental choice. 

But let me outline some factors to consider as you make this decision.

Young children will typically transition from a cot to a bed between the ages of two and three.

Some questions to reflect on:

• Are they tall enough to climb over the side of the cot by themselves? This is a safety consideration as some toddlers become adept at climbing over the side of their cot even when they are not technically tall enough to do so;
• Do they wake up to use the toilet during the night? If they are in a cot, will they have to call you to bring them?
• If you decide to transition your daughter to a bed, be sure you have prepped her bedroom, as she can now wander around her space.

Consider the following questions:

• Are the windows safety locked or secured, and are chords for blinds out of reach?
• Is there anything in the room that can be climbed on (a toy box/a chair/chest of drawers)?
• Are there trip hazards such as wires from floor lamps, vaporisers, etc?

If you are unsure whether she is ready for a bed, you could consider placing a bed mattress on the floor. 

Your toddler will be out of the cot and there is no raised bed frame that they could fall out of. 

Alternatively, you could use a toddler bed, which is the same size as a cot and often a more manageable transition for young children. 

The downside of a toddler bed is that you will get limited use, whereas a single bedframe lasts much longer.

These are practical considerations, and your question contains an emotional aspect too. 

You observe that your toddler might be ready for this transition in that she is asking for a bed, but you are unsure if you are prepared for it.

She is only two years old and is still at the younger end of the age for this change, so if you are hesitant, I suggest that you wait.

A new bed typically means a new bedtime routine, and while this can be a positive change, your email suggests the one you recently established has been hard-earned. 

So, wait for now and start planning so that when you are both ready, the transition will be as smooth as possible.

If you have a question for child psychotherapist Dr Joanna Fortune, please send it to [e-mail]