The move from cot to bed is a big change for a child and for you. If you do it too early, sleep can get messy for a while. If you wait too long, your child may try to climb out, and that can be unsafe.
A smooth cot to bed transition is mostly about timing and setup. You want your child to feel ready, and you want the room to feel safe and familiar. When those two things match, bedtime usually gets easier.
Many families also like to plan this change as part of the furniture lifecycle for kids. You start with nursery pieces, then you upgrade as your child grows. If you are still using nursery items, it can help to look at Boori's baby range so everything stays consistent as you plan the next step.
Signs Your Child Is Ready
Every child is different, so there is no perfect date for everyone. Still, there are clear signs that can help you decide. The biggest one is safety, especially if your child is trying to climb out of the cot.
Another sign is routine. If your child is sleeping well most nights and understands simple instructions, the cot to bed transition can go more smoothly. You might also notice your child asking for more independence, like wanting to get into bed alone.
Parents often search when to move child from cot because they want a simple rule. A helpful way to think about it is this. Move when your child is ready for a new sleep space, and when staying in the cot starts to create safety or sleep problems.
Choosing the Next Bed
The next bed should feel safe, low stress, and easy to use every day. Many families begin with a toddler bed or a low kids bed, because it feels less "big" for a small child. The goal is a bed your child can get into safely without needing to climb.
This is also where a simple kids bed buying guide mindset helps. Think about the bed height, the frame strength, and how easy it is to make the bed. You also want a style that can last, so you are not buying again too soon.
If you want to browse options made for growing kids, Boori's kids range is a good place to start. It helps you compare toddler beds and larger kids beds while keeping the look consistent as your child grows.
Safety Considerations
Safety is the most important part of any cot to bed transition. Once your child can get out of bed on their own, the room needs to be safe for movement at night. That means fewer trip hazards and fewer things that can tip or fall.
Start with the basics. Keep the bed away from blind cords, heaters, and heavy furniture that could be pulled. Secure tall furniture to the wall, and keep the floor clear so small feet do not trip in the dark.
If you are still using a cot before the switch, it helps to know the safety standards that apply to sleep products. In Australia and New Zealand, cots and compact cots comply with AS/NZS 2172-2003, and infant mattresses comply with AS/NZS 8811.1:2013.
Preparing the Room for Transition
A child often sleeps better when the room feels familiar. That is why it helps to change only a few things at a time. Keep the same bedtime routine, the same sleep cues, and the same comfort items where you can.
Before you switch, plan the room like a simple safety zone. Leave a clear path from the door to the bed, so you can check on your child quickly. If your child gets up at night, a clear path also helps them move safely without bumping into furniture.
This is also where toddler bed transition tips can make a real difference. Make the bed feel cosy and "owned" by your child. Let them choose the bedding colour or pick one soft toy for bedtime, so the change feels exciting instead of scary.
Timing Tips That Keep Sleep Steady
A calm plan makes the cot to bed transition easier. If you can, avoid switching during other big life changes, like moving house, starting daycare, or welcoming a new baby. Too many changes at once can make bedtime harder.
Pick a time when you can be consistent for at least two weeks. The first few nights often decide the pattern, so routines matter. Keep bedtime steps the same, and respond in a steady way if your child gets up.
If you are unsure when to move child from cot, ask yourself two questions. Is the cot still safe, and is my child able to follow simple bedtime rules? If the answer is yes to both, you can often wait a little longer. If the cot is no longer safe, it is better to switch sooner and set up the room well.
Helping Your Child Accept the New Bed
Some children love the new bed on night one. Others test the new freedom and get up more often. Both reactions are normal, and you can handle them with calm repetition.
Keep your words simple and consistent. Walk your child back to bed, say the same short phrase, and keep the room quiet. You want your child to learn that the new bed is still a sleep space, not a play space.
This is another time when toddler bed transition tips help. Praise the behaviour you want, like staying in bed until morning. If your child wakes up early, keep the morning calm and predictable so the sleep pattern does not become a daily battle.
Thinking Long Term with Furniture Choices
It helps to plan beyond the first bed. A smart choice now can reduce the number of times you upgrade later. This is why parents often treat this stage as part of the furniture lifecycle for kids, not a one-time change.
A practical kids bed buying guide approach is to look for designs that still suit your child as they grow. Some families start with a low bed, then move to a single or king single later. Others choose a bed that already suits the next stage, so they do not need another change too soon.
If you like seeing finishes and sizes in person, you can also check Boori's showrooms and stores. Seeing the scale can help you choose a bed that fits your room and feels right for your child.
Browse Kids Beds
If you are planning a cot to bed transition, the right bed can make the change feel simpler. Choose a bed that feels safe, suits your room, and matches your child's stage right now. Browse Boori's kids beds in the kids collection and compare options that support growing routines.
FAQs
What age to transition from cot to bed?
Many children move sometime between 2 and 3.5 years old, but age is not the only factor. The best time is when the cot is no longer safe, or when your child is ready to follow simple bedtime rules. A smooth cot to bed transition is usually about readiness, not a strict birthday.
How to help transition a toddler from cot to bed?
Keep the routine the same and make the room safe for night movement. Use calm repetition if your child gets up, and avoid turning it into a long chat. Simple toddler bed transition tips like letting your child choose bedding can also help them feel proud of the new bed.
How to know when to transition from crib to toddler bed?
Look for climbing attempts, sleep disruption, and your child's ability to understand bedtime boundaries. If safety is becoming a concern, it is a strong sign to switch. If you are searching when to move child from cot, focus first on safety, then on routine stability.
Should I wait until my toddler asks for a bed?
Not always. Some toddlers never ask, even when the cot becomes unsafe. If your child is climbing out or the cot setup no longer works, it is better to act and plan the room properly. That way, the cot to bed transition is led by safety and comfort, not by guessing.
