Knowing when to move from a cot to a bed isn’t always simple. You’re probably more tired than ever, and you really want to get this right. We’ve got you – here are five reasons why it might be a good time to upgrade their sleep space.

1. They’re old enough (and big enough)
2. Their cot is no longer safe
3. They’re becoming a big brother or sister
4. It’s toilet training time
5. They’re not sleeping well in their cot

Now, let’s dig a little deeper into those.

Age and size

There’s no magic age when your baby will be ready to move. It’s more about how big they grow with age – you might find one day they just don’t seem to fit their cot as well as they used to! It might be a good time to upsize if you think they're getting uncomfortable.

Most babies transition from a cot to a toddler bed between 2 and 4 years old, but other signs will show that they’re ready to hop into their big bed. Have they discovered they can climb out?

The cot’s not a safe sleep space anymore

Often around the age of two, but sometimes earlier and sometimes much later, our little monkeys learn to climb out of their cot. If your little climber is scaling the walls of their cot, it’s time to move them to a toddler bed or straight to a big bed.

You’re having another baby

Congratulations! If you’ve got another on the way, you’re probably thinking about changing up your family’s sleeping arrangements. If your little one is over 2, moving from a baby cot to a toddler bed could be perfect.

But if they’re under two, they may be better off staying in a cot. Consider factors like their size, how mobile they are and whether they can get off a bed safely.
 

If they still need their cot, you could consider a bassinet or moses basket for your newborn.

It’s time for toilet training

Is your little one ready to start using the toilet? They may need to get up at night. Now is a good time to move them into a bed they can get in and out of.

Your baby isn’t sleeping as well anymore

Has your baby been more wakeful than usual? It could be many things, but one reason may be that the cot isn’t the most comfortable sleep space for them.

Like us, your baby has their own likes and dislikes. Maybe they’ve outgrown it, or maybe it was never quite ideal for them in the first place. If only they could tell us.

Now, we’re sorry to say, but moving them into a big bed isn’t a magic cure either. If your baby is waking a lot, there’s usually an underlying reason, and changing their sleep space likely won’t solve the problem.

In fact, it’ll probably make things worse for a while as you all get used to the new way of sleeping. Once they’re out of a cot, they quickly realise they can get back out of bed – and then you’re in for a whole new set of challenges.

Moving from a cot to a toddler bed is different for every family. If you need some advice, try talking to your child and family health nurse.

Don’t let well-meaning comments from others push your toddler into moving before they’re ready. Like all things, one day, your little person will turn around and surprise you by sleeping all night in their big bed. These years are so short (although the nights are long). Weigh up the reasons for changing beds, and if you think it’s the right time for your family – go for it.

Everything changes once you start transitioning from a cot to a bed. Bedtime might become a game for your cheeky little one. Or they may need more comfort again as their surroundings have changed. 

Your first step? Make sure their sleep space is safe.

Keep it safe

You’re probably wondering how to keep them safe now that they can escape bed whenever they fancy. Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to set up their new big bed, let's do a quick safety sweep of their room with the help of the experts at Red Nose. It’s all about ensuring their newfound freedom doesn’t come with unwanted bumps in the night.

• Locks on windows: Install them so the window only opens a crack. No escape artist moves through the window, please.
• Curtain and blind cords: Get those cords out of reach by winding them up on cleats mounted way up high on the wall.
• Electrical safety: Cover those powerpoints and keep any electrical appliances that don’t meet Aussie safety standards out of the room. If it’s unsafe during the day, it’s a no-go at night.
• Secure heavy furniture: Use brackets to attach tall or heavy furniture to the wall. We don’t want anything toppling over.
• Remove small objects: Anything that’s a choking hazard or poisonous must be out of reach or out of the room.
• Remove or secure climbing hazards: If they can climb it, they will try. Remove chairs, ladders, or anything else climbable.
• Safety gate or closed door: Consider a safety gate for the room’s entrance, or keep the door closed to keep them contained (as long as you can still hear them through the night).

How to set up the bed safely

And now, onto the bed setup. This part is crucial for ensuring your little explorer has a safe and comfy night’s sleep.

• Choose a firm mattress. It should support them properly and be placed on the floor or away from walls to minimise suffocation risks.
• Pillow or no pillow? For kids under 2, skip the pillow. If they’re a bit older and you do use one, make sure it keeps their head and neck aligned (usually, this means no deeper than five or six cm).
• Install bed rails. If you’re going with a single bed, bed rails are a good idea to prevent accidental tumbles.
• Check for gaps. Make sure there aren’t any dangerous gaps where your child could get stuck.
• Use light bedding. Avoid heavy blankets or quilts. Keep the bed clutter-free, especially from soft toys or anything that could be a suffocation hazard.
• Sleeping bag or onesies? If your child used a sleeping bag in the cot, consider whether it’s still suitable. Onesie pyjamas might be a safer and warmer option once they can climb out of bed.

Once you’re sure you’ve set your new space or bed up safely, it’s time for a bit of preparation so the change is as smooth as it can be.

There are three main things to think about here:

1. Choose your bed
2. Choose your bedding
3. Prepare your toddler
   
   

Setting up their room to be safe, comfortable, and inviting is key to easing this transition. Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Choose the right bed for your family

The floor mattress

Starting with a mattress on the floor is like training wheels for bed sleeping. It’s low-risk and keeps your child safe from falls. Just ensure it’s away from walls and high-traffic areas. And keep those soft toys at a safe distance so they’re not a suffocation risk.

Toddler bed 

A toddler bed is the perfect middle step. It’s low, reducing fall risks, and you can reuse the cot mattress. Plus, it feels like a proper “big kid” bed, making your little one thrilled about the upgrade.

Adult height bed

If you’re skipping straight to an adult-sized bed, focus on safety. Ensure no gaps larger than 95mm, minimise potential fall distance with soft landing spots, and keep the surrounding area free from hazards.

Step 2: Decide on your new bedding for cosy nights

Choosing the right bedding can turn your new big bed into a cosy haven.

Sleeping bags or sleepsuits

Stick with these as long as possible. They keep your child warm without the kick-off-the-covers dilemma. Plus, they add a layer of familiarity amidst the change.

Pillow and quilt

When it’s time, opt for natural, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. They help regulate temperature, reducing the risk of overheating. And grab a spare set to tackle those inevitable night-time accidents.

Like us, sleeping on really nice sheets helps make bedtime a dream. Check out our sleepy-time treats for your kids and baby.

Step 3: Prepare your toddler 

Preparing your toddler for the big move from their baby cot to a new bed can help smooth any nerves they might have. Here’s how you can help.

 

Chat and countdown

Start the conversation early. A simple, "Guess what? In five sleeps, you'll start sleeping in a big kid bed!" can kick things off. Keeping the language positive but low-key helps avoid overwhelming your toddler.

Remember, your calm is contagious – if you're cool, they're more likely to be, too. And if the new bed is to make room for a sibling, frame it as a promotion to big kid status, not a hand-me-down situation. This keeps the vibe positive and avoids any sibling rivalry before it starts.

Involvement is key

Let your child be the co-director of this adventure. Whether it's picking out new bedding or a special friend (read: cuddly toy) to share their big kid bed with, having a say gives them a sense of control and excitement.

On the day, why not throw a little "New Bed" party? It's a fun way to mark the occasion and reinforce that this change is something to celebrate.

Practice makes perfect

Spend extra time in their room as the transition approaches, especially on the big day. Familiarising them with their updated space can ease anxieties.

Role-playing sleep time with their toys can also be a fun way to see how safe their new bed is. Praise their teddy for a job well done staying in bed.

The bedtime routine

A familiar bedtime routine can help. Start with some quiet time to wind down from the day. This could be tidying up toys together or dimming the lights a bit earlier to signal that bedtime is nearing.

Encourage self-sufficiency by letting them climb into bed and arrange their bedding. Familiar comforts from their cot, like a beloved blanket, can provide an extra layer of security.

If your child thrives on recognition for their achievements, a reward chart for each step of their bedtime routine can work wonders. From brushing teeth to getting into bed, each step completed is a step closer to a sticker and a proud smile.

Naps or overnight first?

There are two trains of thought here. The first is to start with their night-time sleep because they may be more sleepy, so they might settle more easily. If you go down this route, stick with your usual routine and just do it in the new space. Expect it to take longer than usual as they get used to it.

Your other option is to let them get used to the new bed in daylight hours. Pop them in their new bed for naps, and once they’re used to it, you can make the change for nighttime, too.

What if they won’t stay in their new bed?

We don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but they probably won’t stay put. Your adventurer is about to make use of their newfound freedom.

 

If not straight away, eventually there’ll be a time when your toddler bounces out of bed as soon as you’re out of sight. The up-and-down while getting them back to bed wears thin fast, we can tell you. Unfortunately, there’s not much else to do. Keep returning them to bed, and eventually, they’ll realise that getting up is really no fun.

Phew, that’s a lot! Here it is in a nutshell.

Five reasons to consider moving:

• They’re outgrowing the cot
• They’re climbing out of the cot
• You’re starting to toilet-train
• You’re having another baby
• Their sleep is disturbed
  
  

Three steps for a stress-free change:

1. Choose the new bed and bedding
2. Make the new bed and room safe (following Red Nose recommendations)
3. Prepare your toddler by involving them, counting down, role-playing with their toys, and even throwing a “new bed” party on the day.
   
   

Now that you’ve sorted your game plan, why not treat them to a great night’s sleep in our butter-soft kids bed sheets and kids quilt covers?

However you navigate the change from cot to toddler bed, remember it’s a journey. Leave room for growth, learning, and lots of reassuring snuggles. Here's to sweet dreams and even sweeter mornings in their new big kid bed!