Cot to Big Bed: When to Move Your Toddler and How to Make It Safe

Most toddlers move from a cot to a bed somewhere between two and a half and three and a half years. There is no prize for moving early. A toddler who is sleeping well and safely in a cot can usually stay there. The two clear reasons to move sooner are climbing out of the cot, which risks a fall, or a new baby who genuinely needs the cot. When you do make the change, a safe room, a predictable bedtime and calm, boring responses to getting up matter far more than the bed itself.

Signs your toddler may be ready

Readiness is less about age and more about understanding. Many toddlers under two and a half do not yet grasp the idea of "staying in bed" once there are no sides keeping them there. Signs that the timing may be right include:

• Climbing, or trying to climb, over the cot side. Lowering the base to its lowest position is the first step, and moving to a bed follows if climbing continues.
• Your toddler is outgrowing the cot and cannot stretch out comfortably.
• They can follow simple two-step instructions and understand "first, then" language.
• Toilet training at night is starting and they need to get up to the toilet.
• They are showing curiosity about a "big bed" and seem excited rather than anxious.

If a new sibling is on the way, try to make the change at least six to eight weeks before the birth, or wait until a few months after. Toddlers can feel pushed out if they lose their bed just as a baby arrives.

Making the bedroom safe

Once your toddler can leave their bed, the whole bedroom becomes their sleep space. Kidsafe Australia recommends treating the room as if your child will be in it unsupervised, because at 3am they may be.

• Anchor furniture. Secure chests of drawers, bookshelves and televisions to the wall with anti-tip straps or brackets. Tip-over injuries are a serious risk for this age group.
• Windows. Fit window locks or security screens so windows cannot open more than 12.5 centimetres. Move beds and climbable furniture away from windows.
• Blind and curtain cords. Tie cords up high and out of reach, or use cordless window coverings. Cords are a strangulation risk.
• Low bed. A low toddler bed or a mattress on the floor reduces fall height. A side rail can help on a standard single bed.
• Power points and heaters. Use outlet covers, and keep heaters, lamps and cords out of reach.
• Doorway. A safety gate at the bedroom door keeps your toddler safe in their room and away from stairs, kitchens and pools if they wake at night.

How to make the change

Toddlers cope best with change when they feel involved and when everything else stays the same.

1. Talk about it first. A few days beforehand, read a story about a big bed and chat about what will happen.
2. Let them choose something. Choosing a pillowcase or quilt cover gives a sense of ownership.
3. Keep the same room and routine. Same bath, same books, same song, same comforter. Familiar steps tell their body it is time to sleep.
4. Start at bedtime, not nap time. Night sleep pressure is stronger, so the first nights often go more smoothly than daytime naps.
5. Use a toddler clock if helpful. A light that changes colour at morning time gives a visual cue for when it is okay to get up.

When your toddler keeps getting out of bed

The novelty of freedom wears off, and a "honeymoon" first week is often followed by testing. This is normal developmental behaviour, not naughtiness. Your toddler is learning where the new boundary is.

• Respond calmly and quietly. Walk them back with few words: "It is sleep time. I will tuck you in."
• Keep the response the same every time. Predictability is what helps the boundary feel safe.
• Offer connection before sleep. Ten minutes of unhurried, one-on-one time in the evening can reduce bids for attention later.
• If your toddler is anxious, it is fine to stay nearby and gradually move further away over a week or two.
• Check the basics. Is bedtime too early, or is the day nap too long? A toddler who is not tired enough will struggle to stay in bed.

Some families find their toddler goes back to waking more for a few weeks. If this lasts beyond a month, or your child seems frightened at night, chat with your Maternal and Child Health Nurse.

When to get help

Speak to your GP or child health nurse if your toddler snores loudly most nights, has pauses in breathing during sleep, is very sleepy during the day, or if night waking is affecting the whole family's wellbeing. For general support, Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is available on 1800 882 436. In an emergency, call 000.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own health professional.