Cot training techniques
Tips on how to get your baby used to sleeping in a cot
It’s recommended that baby sleeps in their own crib/Moses’ basket in the same room as you for the first six months. But once they are passed six months old, many parents choose to put baby in their own room and often in a cot for the first time.
Some choose for their baby to stay in their room for longer but quite often babies outgrow their crib/Moses’ basket and there isn’t room for a cot in their bedroom plus some parents want to reclaim their bedroom.
We’ve put together some helpful tips on making the move from crib/Moses’ basket to cot for the first time.
As with everything, all babies are different and some will make the transition seamlessly, but for others it may not be so straightforward. If you are concerned that you may have a struggle with your little one, here’s some things that can help.
1. Do it in stages
Start slow and perhaps put your baby down for a daytime nap in the cot so they can gradually adjust rather than one night they are straight into a strange cot.
2. Same room, different bed
If it’s possible, it might be a good idea to put the cot in your room so you can get them used to sleeping in the cot while still having the familiarity of your room it may help to get them used to the change more gradually.
3. Same bed, different room
Try putting your Moses’ basket inside the cot for daytime sleeps beforehand.
4. Keep bedtimes the same
Babies respond well when they know what to expect so getting used to a bath, book, snuggle, sleep in the same order can really help. They will get to know that bedtime is coming and will associate that with their cot.
5. Have a sleep over
If your baby is really fractious about the move, it may be worth taking a mattress into their room and having a couple of sleepovers on the floor until they’re more used to their room and new cot.
6. Slowly leave
Rather than simply place baby in their cot and leave, it may be worth gently settling them and staying in the room for a few minutes while they settle. Your presence will help them settle quicker and once they seem to be drifting off, quietly leave.
7. Offer reassurance with a new toy
Try a new musical light toy in the daytime for your baby to get used t9o ready for when you put them down in their cot to sleep at night time.