Q: My son has just turned two and I think it is probably time to introduce him to a bed. The trouble is I have no idea how to go about doing this and am worried it's all going to end in disaster. How do I do this without causing him too much anxiety?

A: Moving from a cot to a bed is a big moment in a child's life and the transition should of course be approached with care, but also with great positivity.

Most children move into a bed between the ages of 18 months and three years, so you do not need to worry about being premature with this. So, with that in mind, try and make the move from cot to bed seem positive, exciting and something that 'big boys' do as cots are for babies.

In order to achieve this, it may be a good idea to talk your son through his move from cot to bed and allow him to choose his new bedding, and perhaps the bed itself. Set the new bedroom up together and talk to him about how exciting it is going to be to be sleep in a big bed and not a baby's cot.

While most children make the move quite happily, many parents say that nocturnal visits are quite common in the first few weeks. So be prepared for this, and make sure you pick a particularly suitable week in terms of your own schedule.

Timing is equally as important for your son. It is probably not worth making the move from cot to bed if you are in the process of potty training, or have recently started him at a nursery or childminder. Additionally, if there is a little one on the way, make sure you make the move six to eight weeks before the birth to minimise any fears your son may have about the new baby taking over his domain.

Finally, follow your son's lead. If he is not happy, switch back to the cot and try again a few weeks later, but do explain to him that he has been a very good boy for trying and that you are very proud of him, and you'll try again together soon. Your son will soon discover the pleasure of sleeping in a spacious bed, as long as you provide plenty of patient support and praise.

When did your child move from cot to bed?