I thought I’d be excited about this one. And I was — for her. What I didn’t expect was how emotional it would feel watching her climb into a bed that suddenly made her look so much bigger than she did the day before.
Moving from a cot bed to a big girl bed felt like a quiet shift. Not loud or dramatic, just one of those moments that gently reminds you that time is doing its thing, whether you’re ready or not.
“She climbed into her big girl bed ready and excited — and I realised I was the one who needed a moment.“
Working Towards the Change
This wasn’t a rushed decision. We’d been working towards it for a while, casually talking about a new bed, planting the idea and seeing how she felt. Some days she was excited, asking questions and clearly intrigued.
Other days?
A flat refusal.
A very clear “no”.
And that felt right. No pressure, no deadlines — just letting the idea sit until she was ready.
Choosing the Bed (A Bigger Decision Than Expected)
Then came the parent side of it. Suddenly we were deep in discussions about:
- frame or divan
- pull-out or storage
- floor bed or something higher
- Montessori-style or more traditional
It’s funny how something practical can feel emotional. This wasn’t just furniture — it was a marker of growing up, of independence, of change. And can she handle a high bed or might she just be rolling out onto the floor many times over?
In the end, we chose something cosy and practical with a pull out bed and long-lasting. A bed that felt safe and inviting — something she could grow into.
The Most Important Decision (According to Her)
Then came the part that really mattered. The bedding. There was no hesitation, no debate. Frozen was the answer.
Watching her choose so confidently felt like a little glimpse into who she’s becoming — sure of what she likes, proud of her choices, and absolutely delighted by them.
Building the Bed and the Grand Reveal
We (well Martin) built the bed quietly, getting everything ready before showing her. A slightly rearranged space and her new fresh bedding. Her room transformed just enough to feel special without feeling unfamiliar.
When she saw it, her face said everything.
Excitement. Pride. Joy.
She climbed straight in, testing it out, soaking it all in. It was such a positive moment — and far less daunting for her than it was for me.
The Emotions I Didn’t Expect
I was more emotional than I thought I’d be. Seeing her in that bed felt like another quiet reminder that she’s growing, steadily and confidently, right in front of me. This little person, who made me a mummy, is changing. And while I’m so proud, there’s always a small ache that comes with each step forward.
A First Night That Looked a Little Different
Her first night in her big girl bed wasn’t perfectly routine. We’d had a late birthday party for our nephew, so bedtime was a little later than usual, although little P had certainly burnt some energy up and down climbing frames and slides at a local play centre. The routine was looser, the evening stretched out more than normal.
Part of me wondered if that would make things harder.
It didn’t.
She eventually settled into her new bed and slept through the night.
A full night.
In her big girl bed.
Morning Light and a Happy Wake-Up
The next morning, I heard her calling out — cheerful, confident, and proud.
“Mummy!”
She’d discovered she could switch her light on from bed. Maybe not ideal from a parental point of view — but very exciting for her.
She woke up in a wonderful mood, pleased with herself, clearly aware she’d done something new and important.
And just like that, another milestone passed.
Watching Her Grow
Moving from a cot bed to a big girl bed might seem small on the surface. But it marked something bigger:
- growing independence
- confidence
- another step away from babyhood
She took it completely in her stride. I’m the one still catching up emotionally.
Holding Onto the Moment
I know there will be many more changes like this — bigger beds, bigger rooms, bigger steps. But this one will stay with me. Her first night in her big girl bed. Another milestone for the little girl who made me a mummy. And even as I feel that tug of emotion, I wouldn’t stop her growing for anything
