Transitioning Your Toddler From Cot to a Bed

The toddler years are full of exciting milestones, and one of them includes the day they’re ready to move from their baby cot to a bed. It signals that your toddler is growing into a fully fledged child who’s becoming more independent. They’re not a baby anymore!  

Many kids graduate from their cot to a bed when a sibling is on the way, or when they start scaling the cot (crib) rails. Some simply demand to move into a ‘big-kid bed’. The toddler-bed transition can’t just be sprung on your little one, however; they may need help settling in. 

Wondering how and when to move your toddler to a bed, or an intermediary toddler bed? Follow these expert tips for the big move for the whole family.  

What age can my child move to a toddler bed?  

Toddlers usually transition from a cot to a bed between 2 years and 3½ years, but some move as early as 18 months old, reports safe sleep authority Red Nose. 

“There’s a lot of variation between different parents and cultures as to what defines a ‘normal’ sleeping arrangement for babies and infants,” says Dr James Best, a GP and father of three. “But many parents transfer from cot to bed when the child is able to easily climb over the rail and get out of the cot.” 

Your toddler might also be ready to transition from cot to bed when they’ve outgrown their cot or they’re toilet training and need to use the bathroom. You might need to gently evict them if you’ve another baby on the way and need the cot.    

Different types of toddler beds 

When it comes to toddler beds, one size does not fit all. You can choose from a dedicated toddler bed that’s lower to the ground for easy access, which may have slatted sides to protect them from falls, or a single bed that will accommodate your child for years. Some cots have removable rails to make the toddler-bed transition more seamless. 

It's also okay to use a mattress on the floor initially, to prevent your toddler falling out of bed if that’s a concern for you. Just ensure the space around your child’s mattress is free of soft toys, bean bags and clutter. 

Going straight to a single bed? Red Nose advises checking there are no gaps of more than 95 millimetres between the mattress, bed frame and any walls, which your toddler could get stuck between. You can attach portable toddler bed rails to adult-height beds, too, which must be fitted tightly against the mattress. 

It’s best not to give your toddler a pillow until they’re 2, for safe sleeping, say Red Nose. 

How can I ease the transition from cot to bed? 

Avoid introducing your child to their toddler bed during other times of transition; for example, when you’re moving house, toilet training them or bringing a new baby home. It’s better to shift your toddler from cot to bed either a few months before or after the newborn’s arrival, so they don’t resent their sibling for ‘stealing’ the cot. 

Consider letting your child choose their own cute bed linen and help you set up their new bed and arrange their favourite toys on it. Try to stick to their usual bedtime routine and be patient if your toddler keeps ‘escaping’ their new bed. 

How to manage toddlers who keep getting out of bed 

If your little one is struggling to stay in their room and sleep, opt for the responsive settling technique, suggests Dr Best. This is different to controlled crying.  

“If your child is awake and not distressed – being grizzly is fine – try to resettle them in their own place of sleep,” he explains. “Reassure them without too much attention, contact or talking; avoid giving them milk. Give your child the opportunity to self-settle, which all kids need to learn. Some just take longer than others.” 

Settling kids into bed can be stressful but keep calm and carry on, says Dr Best. “The message you’re trying to give your child is, ‘It’s okay, we can settle ourselves down.’ Try not to get worked up about it and respond to every little noise they make.” 

Here are some more strategies for getting your toddler to sleep in their own bed.      

1. Double-check their needs 

Check if your toddler has enough water, is at a comfortable temperature and if they need to use the toilet. Give them one last cuddle. Remind them that if they truly need something, like help going to the toilet, or if they feel sick or have a nightmare, it’s okay to call for you.  

2. Acknowledge how they feel and calmly return them to bed 

Say something like, “It seems you’re having trouble falling asleep.” Rather than get angry, remain neutral about the situation and put them back in bed. Perhaps check on your toddler a few minutes later. Encourage them by saying, “You look nice and sleepy now. Good night, I love you.” 

3. Address separation anxiety  

Explain that you’re close by and you’ll see them in the morning. If your toddler appears to be struggling with separation anxiety for two weeks or more, chat to your GP. “If you're not coping, early childhood health centres and services such as Tresillian and Karitane are also helpful sources of advice,” says Dr Best. 

4. Figure out if your toddler is actually tired 

If it’s consistently taking your child longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep, their bedtime may be too early, they may be waking too late in the morning, or their day naps may be too long. Make any changes gradually. 

5. Set expectations 

Remind your child that it’s time to settle down and spend some quiet time in bed. You can let them know that once they’re quiet, you’ll come back and check on them.  

6. Start a countdown 

Always prepare your little one for sleep time. Remind them it’s nearly bedtime 30 minutes or so before the bedtime routine begins, so they can start to wind down.  

7. Say ‘goodnight’ to everything 

Explain that it’s time for everything to go to sleep; saying goodnight to their toothbrush, the moon and so on could help your toddler understand that bedtime means sleep time. 

8. Reward good behaviour 

If you do go back to check and they’ve settled down, let your child know they’re doing a great job. If they fall asleep without any issues, praise them the next morning for how well they did last night. 

How to make the house safe for toddlers at night 

You might covet a Pinterest-worthy kids’ bedroom, but the area around the toddler bed should be free from any furniture, such as a bedside table, that your toddler could fall onto. Consider popping a soft rug next to the bed to cushion falls. 

Attach safety gates to stairwells and ensure your toddler can’t access any windows. “You absolutely shouldn’t allow small children to access any cords or blind cords they could get tangled up in,” says Dr Best. Keep appliances and heaters out of reach of curious toddlers, and place latches on accessible cupboards. 

Make sure your toddler’s mattress is lifted, moved and the floor underneath is cleaned regularly to allow for airflow to prevent any mold and mildew growth.  

Learn more about baby proofing your house.