Most toddlers make the move from cot to bed anywhere between about 18 months and three years. However, there's no hard and fast rule for when it has to be - it's different for every family.
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Many parents make the switch when their toddler is able to climb out of their cot or if they get too big to sleep comfortably in their cot. You'll probably be able to tell when your toddler reaches this stage, but you can also ask your health visitor for advice.
Another common reason for making the change to a bed, is if the cot is needed for a new arrival. If you're having another baby, it’s a good idea to try to introduce your toddler to their new bed at least six weeks before your due date. This will give your little one time to get used to being in a bed, well before the baby’s arrival. Toddlers with older siblings usually have an easier time making the switch, as they often want to be just like their big brother or sister.
If it’s easier, you can switch when your new baby is three or four months old instead. Let your toddler become used to the new arrival for a month or so if you want to make the switch after the birth. A new baby in the house is already a time of huge change for your toddler, so a bit of stability will help them cope with the transition.
Every toddler responds to a new bed in their own way. Some will adjust easily to the change, while others will need a bit more help. Decide when you're going to make the change and talk to your little one about it a week or two beforehand, so it's not a big shock.
To make the change easier, put the bed in the same place as the cot, if you can. Put familiar soft toys and anything that comforts your child in the bed too. Your toddler may also find it soothing to sleep with their old cot blanket as a cuddly.
If your toddler's old enough, you could let them choose their new bed or bedding. You could even throw them a "Big Bed" party and invite friends and grandparents. They may be so excited about getting a big bed that they can't wait to dive into it!
Some toddlers go straight into a single bed, whereas others make the move into a toddler bed that’s smaller and usually closer to the floor. Toddler beds often have guard rails attached. If your toddler is moving into a single bed, you can attach a separate guardrail to prevent them from falling out. You could also move furniture away from the bed and put cushions on the floor, to make sure your toddler doesn’t get a bump if they roll out during the night.
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Once in a bed, your little one is going to be able to get up at night, so make sure to toddler proof their room so that they’re safe:
- Check they can’t get to any electrical cables or sockets.
- Put the bed up against a wall so your toddler is less likely to fall out.
- Clear away small toys or objects from the floor at night.
- Make sure any window blind cords are secured and out of your child’s reach.
- Consider putting a gate on your toddler’s door or at the top of the stairs.
Some toddlers take the move to a bed in their stride, but for others it’s a big step and they may need lots of reassurance from you. You may just need to give your little one a bit of time and patience. They'll take their cues from you, so try not to get too frustrated if it’s a challenge at first. Stay calm and stick to your normal routine as far as possible. This will help to reassure your child that there's lots that's still the same.
Try a nightlight if your toddler seems scared of being in the dark. If they get up in the night, take them gently back to bed, reassure them and say good night. You might have to do this a few times until they get the hang of it.
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To learn more about saying farewell to your toddler's cot, watch our video on how to introduce a big bed.
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FAQs
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making the transition when your child is 35 inches (89 centimeters) tall, because at that point they're big enough to make escape attempts from the crib — even with the mattress in the lowest position.
When to transfer a toddler from cot to bed? ›
Most children move from cot to bed when they're between 2 and 3 years old. There's no hurry, though. And there are advantages to leaving your child in a cot if they're happy there. For example, your child can't fall out of the cot.
What age do you move toddler from crib to bed? ›
Transitioning to a toddler bed occurs between 18 months and 3 years. Signs a child is ready for a bed include outgrowing and climbing out of the crib or expressing any desire for a new bed. Involve the child, prioritize safety, and maintain routines during the transition.
How do I know if I'm putting my toddler to bed too early? ›
If your child is taking a long time to fall asleep, you might be putting your child to bed too early. If your child takes more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, try making your child's bedtime closer to the time your child can actually fall asleep. This will make it more likely that your child will settle to sleep.
How do you know when toddler is ready for a cot bed? ›
Just like with other major baby or toddler milestones, the transition from a crib to a toddler bed also comes in a range of ages. While some toddlers are able to switch into a bed around 18 months, others might not transition until they're 30 months (2 1/2 years) old or even 3 to 3 1/2.
What age take sides off cot? ›
Typically between 2.5 to 3 years is a pretty safe time to take the cot sides down and let your toddler loose. What happens if your little one is climbing out well before they are ready? It can be done, but will often take a little extra work to teach them to stay in bed.
How to transition toddler to bed after co-sleeping? ›
Instead of putting your toddler in her own room from the get-go, put her crib in your bedroom with you to start with. Once she's adjusted to sleeping entirely in her own space, move the crib back to her room, which allows her to make one transition over time. Have a sleepover.
How do I know when my toddler is ready for later bedtime? ›
Signs that your bedtime may be too early include:
- Your tot fights falling asleep for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Your toddler shows no sign of fatigue at bedtime.
- Your tyke wakes up in the middle of the night or very early the next day, refreshed and ready to go.
Ahead, find six signs your child is not ready for potty training, plus tips on how to help them along.
- Your Child Shows No Interest. ...
- Your Kid is Terrified of the Toilet. ...
- Your Son or Daughter is Still Having Frequent Wet Diapers. ...
- You Toddler Can't Manage Taking His Own Clothes Off. ...
- Your Child Isn't Aware of His Body's Cues.
Wait until they are 24 months old. The recommended age for using a pillow is now 2 years old. Before then, there's a danger of suffocation due to the extra material in the bed. Your child's own development will be a large factor in determining when they can use a pillow.
After a year old, if your child is ready, you can start to transition from a sleep sack to a blanket. At this point, the risk of SIDs has significantly decreased as your child has the mobility to roll over easily from any direction.
What age do toddlers stop napping? ›
Most toddlers will stop napping between 3 and 4 years old. Current research shows that less than 2.5% of toddlers will stop napping before age 2, while 94% stop napping by age 5. I find most toddlers do best with maintaining that nap until they're about 4 years old.
How do I know my toddler is ready for a bed? ›
Signs Your Child Is Ready for a Toddler Bed
- Sign 1: Consistent Jumping and Climbing. ...
- Sign 2: Beginning Potty Training. ...
- Sign 3: Growing Out of the Crib. ...
- Sign 4: Asking to Have a Bed. ...
- Sign 5: Having a Sibling on the Way. ...
- Choose the Bed Carefully. ...
- Stick to the Routine. ...
- Add Some Excitement.
While a 7pm to 7am sleep schedule might be your dream toddler bedtime routine, most toddlers do best when their bedtime falls between 8 and 9pm. If your toddler fights night-night, it's an indicator that their bedtime may be too early...or too late.
When to transition from cot to bed? ›
Summary
- Most children move from sleeping in a cot to a bed somewhere between the ages of 2 and 3-and-a-half years.
- Avoid bunk beds for children younger than 9 years because of the risk of falls.
- Some children are unsettled the first few nights in a 'big bed' – try to be patient, loving and reassuring.
They're approaching the weight limit for their toddler bed
Be sure to check the safety guidelines of your toddler bed and make the switch before they reach the upper weight limit, which usually ranges from 35-50 lbs.
When to move cot down? ›
Once your baby can start moving on their own, that includes rolling, or sitting up unaided, it's time to lower it to the next level. Once your baby can pull themselves up, or stand up unaided it's time to move the cot base back to the lowest level of all.
