From Co-Sleeping to Cot Sleeping
Moving from co-sleeping to independent sleep can be a big shift for your baby and for you. With the right approach—rooted in preparation, consistency, and compassion—this transition can be a smooth and supportive experience for the whole family.
🌙 Step 1: Prepare the Sleep Environment
Create a Cozy Cot Space: Make your baby’s cot feel safe and familiar – having playtime in the cot outside of sleep time can help your little one become familiar with the environment and create a positive connection prior to sleeping there
The Right Environment – Depending on your baby’s age, their sleep journey and your goals you might consider whether a cot is the right fit, or moving to a floor bed might be more appropriate. You may consider placing it in your room to begin with if a full move feels like too big of a leap OR you join your child in their “new” room and gradually move away.
Start with Daytime Naps: Let your baby nap in the cot during the day to build comfort in this new space.
Talk About the Change (for toddlers): For older babies or toddlers, a gentle explanation about the “big kid bed” can go a long way.
🛏 Step 2: Transition Gently & Gradually
Bedtime First: Start with helping your little one to start their night in their new sleep space and build up from there. The approach you take will be based on your individual situation though you may support and transfer to sleep or work on falling asleep in the cot with your support right there next to them.
Add Familiar Comforts: A soft sleep sack or comfort item (age-appropriate) can help your child feel secure.
Use a Step-by-Step Approach: Take each win as it comes – this might be hour by hour or nap by nap but it all works together to create progress for your child. You might start with just bedtime and build up to working through a resettle. If the slow approach isn’t right for your family, that is also A-OK! You can jump straight into sleeping in their own bed with your support and gradually reduce that back as your kiddo increases confidence.
🔁 Step 3: Be Consistent & Patient
Stick to a Routine: Be consistent with your bedtime routine and the process you have chosen to start the night – that consistency will help to build up your child trust and confidence!
Comfort Through the Tricky Time: Tears and wakeups are normal. Respond with calm, confident reassurance—your presence and support help build consistency and reduce the feelings of overwhelm – which reduces the tears!!
Celebrate Progress: Even 10 minutes of cot sleep is a win. Progress is rarely linear—keep showing up with patience and focus on keeping yourself regulated.
💬 You're Not Alone
Transitions like this one are a natural part of parenting. They come with emotions, challenges, and milestones. What matters most is your consistency, connection, and care. You’ve got this