Moving from a cot to a bed is a big milestone, for them and for you. But it often raises two big questions for parents:
- When is the right time to move from a cot to a bed?
- How do we make the transition smooth and stress-free?
It is a question I am asked the time, and here is my top tips.
When should you move a toddler from a cot to a bed?
If your toddler doesn’t yet have strong sleep skills, my advice is simple: not yet.
- There’s no rush, many children are still happy in their cot at 3 years old.
- Parents rarely regret waiting, but many wish they hadn’t moved too soon.
- A child who sleeps well in their cot is more likely to transition smoothly to a bed.
I would highly recommend focusing on helping your child develop independent sleep skills first. Once they can settle themselves and sleep through the night, the move will be much easier.
Why sleep skills come first
- Learning to fall asleep independently is a big adjustment.
- Keeping the cot during this stage provides comfort and consistency (same sheets, same room, same favourite toy).
- Once your child can self-settle and is well-rested, they’ll be less likely to leave their bed or call out repeatedly at night.
If you are still wondering why independent sleep skills can make such a difference with children’s read this to understand the science behind sleep.
How to transition from cot to bed
If your child is ready, here’s how to make the move a success:
1. Prepare your child
- Explain the change positively ,“you’re getting a big bed now!”
- Set a date so they know when to expect it.
- As much as you may be excited (and nervous) don’t make it a huge event as this can feel overwhelming.
2. Involve them in the process
- Take them shopping for the new bed or bedding.
- Let them choose colours, sheets, or pillows.
- This builds excitement and ownership over their new bed.
3. Keep everything familiar
- Put the new bed in the same spot as the cot.
- Keep the same bedtime routine and schedule.
- Avoid introducing other changes (new foods, different routine, room changes) at the same time.
Common toddler reactions to the new bed
When your child first sleeps in their new bed, they might respond in different ways:
- Smooth transition: they stay in bed happily (and you breathe a sigh of relief!)
- Delayed testing: they adapt at first, but after a week start getting up or calling out.
- Immediate testing: they leave their bed or play from night one.
How to handle night-time challenges
- Set clear expectations and consequences if your child gets out of bed.
- Be consistent – explain the consequence once, then follow through.
- Use consequences that matter to your child (e.g. Briefly removing a favourite toy for a few minutes).
- Stick with the same behaviour strategies you already use – consistency is key.
If everything still feels tricky, you don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Many parents find moving from a cot to a bed challenging – especially if sleep struggles are already in play.
As a sleep consultant, i support families to:
- Decide on the right timing for moving from cot to bed.
- Support toddlers to develop independent sleep skills.
- Create calm, consistent bedtime routines that work for the whole family.
- Troubleshoot night-time wakings and challenging sleep habits.
Get in touch to book a free 15 minute call to discuss how I can help your nights go from dreaded to restful (for everyone!)
