One of the most common questions parents ask is when they should move their child from a cot to a toddler bed. The answer isn't as simple as reaching a specific age or height—it depends on a combination of physical readiness, developmental factors, and family circumstances.
Getting the timing right can make the difference between a smooth transition and weeks of disrupted sleep. In this guide, we'll explore the signs that indicate readiness, the factors that affect timing, and situations where it might be worth waiting a bit longer.
The Typical Age Range
Most children transition from a cot to a toddler bed somewhere between 18 months and 3.5 years. However, this range is incredibly broad, and age alone shouldn't be your primary guide.
Statistics
Research suggests that the average age for the cot-to-bed transition in Australia is around 2.5 years. However, about 25% of children transition before age 2, and another 25% wait until after age 3.
There's no prize for transitioning early. In fact, waiting until your child shows clear signs of readiness often leads to an easier transition than moving them before they're developmentally prepared.
Signs Your Child May Be Ready
Rather than focusing on age, watch for these indicators that suggest your toddler is ready for the move.
Climbing Out of the Cot
This is the most compelling reason to transition. Once your child can climb over the cot rails, the cot is no longer safe. The risk of falling while climbing far exceeds any risk from a proper toddler bed with guardrails.
If your child is climbing out, the transition should happen promptly regardless of age.
Physical Size
Most cots have a height or weight limit specified by the manufacturer. If your child is approaching or has exceeded these limits, it's time to move on. Even if they haven't reached the limit, a child who looks cramped or uncomfortable may benefit from more space.
Verbal Understanding
Children who can understand and follow simple instructions ("Stay in bed until the sun comes up") tend to manage the transition more smoothly. This typically develops around age 2-2.5, though it varies considerably between children.
Key Takeaway
The ability to understand boundaries through language is a significant predictor of transition success. If your child doesn't yet grasp instructions like "stay in your bed," they may struggle with the freedom a toddler bed provides.
Interest in Big Kid Things
Is your toddler showing interest in being a "big kid"? Do they want to do things themselves? Are they excited by the idea of a big-kid bed? This enthusiasm can be a helpful ally during the transition.
Consistent Sleep Patterns
Children who are already good sleepers tend to transition more easily. If your child is sleeping through the night consistently in their cot, they're more likely to continue doing so in a bed.
Reasons to Wait
Sometimes the best advice is to hold off on the transition. Consider waiting if:
Major Life Changes Are Happening
Avoid transitioning during periods of significant change:
- Moving house
- Starting childcare or changing care arrangements
- The arrival of a new sibling
- Toilet training (ideally do one or the other, not both simultaneously)
- Family disruptions like separation or bereavement
Sleep Is Already Problematic
If your child is experiencing sleep issues in the cot (frequent night wakings, bedtime resistance, early morning wake-ups), adding a bed transition to the mix usually makes things worse, not better. Address the underlying sleep issues first.
The Cot Still Works
If your child is happy in the cot, sleeping well, and not attempting to climb out, there's no urgency to transition. The cot provides a safe, contained sleep environment that many children find comforting.
Expert Tip
Unless there's a safety concern like climbing, most sleep consultants recommend keeping children in the cot for as long as they're content there—often until closer to age 3 when they're better able to understand boundaries.
The New Baby Question
A very common reason parents consider transitioning is the impending arrival of a new sibling who will need the cot. If this applies to you, consider these strategies:
Transition Well Before Baby Arrives
If you're going to move your toddler to free up the cot, do it at least 2-3 months before the new baby is due. This allows your child time to adjust before their world is turned upside down by a new sibling.
Get a Second Cot
Bassinet, co-sleeper, or second-hand cot options can buy you time. Many babies don't move into a full cot until 3-6 months anyway, giving your toddler more time to grow into readiness.
Avoid the "Eviction" Feeling
Never frame the transition as "the baby needs your cot." This can create resentment. Instead, focus on the positive: "You're growing up and get an amazing big-kid bed!"
Preparing for the Right Timing
Once you've decided the time is approaching, here's how to set up for success:
Choose a Calm Period
Aim for a stretch when your family's routine is stable—no travel, no major events, no developmental leaps (18 months, 2 years, and 2.5 years are common challenging periods).
Start Talking About It
A few weeks before the transition, begin mentioning the upcoming change. Read books about big-kid beds, let them help choose bedding, and build positive anticipation.
Prepare the Room
Safety-proof the entire bedroom before making the switch. Remember, your child will have freedom to move around that they didn't have in the cot.
Consider a Gradual Approach
Some families find success with gradual transitions:
- Set up the new bed alongside the cot and let your child choose where to sleep
- Start with naps in the new bed before night sleep
- Begin with one side of a convertible cot removed rather than a completely new bed
Every Child Is Different
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that there is no universal "right" time. Your neighbour's child might have transitioned smoothly at 18 months while yours needs to wait until nearly 3. Both scenarios are completely normal.
Trust your instincts, observe your individual child, and don't feel pressured by arbitrary timelines. The best transition happens when your child is genuinely ready—and that timing is unique to them.
For more guidance once you've decided to make the move, read our safety tips for the transition and our guide to bedtime routines that work.