The cot to bed transition

This guide is general information only and isn't a substitute for medical advice. If you're concerned about your child's health, or they're unwell, please see a doctor.

There is no prize for moving early. The cot is the safest, most contained option for as long as it lasts, and most families move too soon rather than too late. The trigger is behaviour, not birthday.

When to move

Red Nose frames this by behaviour rather than a birthday. Most children move from a cot to a bed somewhere between 2 and 3.5 years, and some as early as 18 months, but the signal that matters is climbing: when you see a young child trying to climb out of the cot and looking like they might succeed, it is time to move them to a new sleeping space.

If your child is not attempting to climb out, there is no safety reason to rush.

Don't move for the wrong reasons

A new baby needing the cot, or a run of bad nights, are common triggers for an early move, and both usually backfire. A toddler who can get out of bed will get out of bed. If a sibling needs the cot, it is worth sorting the older child's bed transition well ahead of the birth rather than in the same fortnight.

Making the new space safe

• If you use a mattress on the floor, place it away from the wall so your child cannot become trapped between them.
• Keep the area around the bed clear of soft toys, bean bags, plastic bags and similar objects that a young child could roll onto, since soft objects can mould around the face.
• A toddler bed can be a safer intermediate step before a full-size bed.
• Bunk beds are not recommended for children under nine years of age.
• Check the rest of the room now that your child can get out: secure furniture to the wall, cover power points, and consider the door and stairs.

Expect a testing phase

A bed comes with freedom, and toddlers will use it. Expect some appearances at your door. Keep the routine identical to the one they had in the cot, walk them back calmly and briefly, and be boring about it. Most children settle into the new arrangement before long if the response stays consistent.

A toddler clock that changes colour at an agreed wake time gives a child who can now leave the bed a clear signal about when the day starts, which saves you from litigating the point at 5am.

Sources

• Red Nose Australia, When to move from cot to bed
• Raising Children Network, Toddler sleep

Last updated: July 2026. Sources include Red Nose Australia and Raising Children Network where cited above. This guide is general information only. For individual concerns, see your GP or child health nurse.