When and how to transition your toddler from a cot to a bed

If you are considering making the change from a cot to a big girl or big boy bed for your toddler, it’s worth knowing when to make the switch, how to emotionally prepare your little one for this huge change, tips for making the transition as safe as possible, and strategies to handle situations where your child keeps getting out of bed because of this new found freedom.

When to make this transition

If your toddler has started climbing out of their cot, it’s time to transition to a bed. Safety is paramount. Before making the switch, you might want to try these tips to see if they can help prevent your little one from climbing out so that you can keep them in their cot for just a little bit longer.

It is worth ensuring that the mattress is set to its lowest height. If your toddler isn’t already using a sleeping bag, please do try putting them in one, and if they can unzip it, placing it on backwards might give you a bit more time. However, if they’re still managing to climb out, it’s time to move them to a big kid bed as their safety comes first.

If your little one has outgrown their cot, especially if you notice them hitting the sides, then it’s really not safe and you want get them into a bed.

So unless safety is a concern, I recommend keeping your toddler in their cot and waiting as long as possible before making the transition. Children under two and a half to three years old often lack impulse control, which can lead to them repeatedly getting out of bed.

Transitioning too early may be more challenging since they may not be cognitively ready for the change which could then lead to sleep challenges after the switch. Hence, even though there’s no specific set age for transition, waiting it out to as close to three years old can make it easier for your little one to adjust. If they are sleeping well in the cot and safety isn’t an issue, there really isn’t any reason to rock the boat.

When you’re thinking about transitioning your little one from a cot to a bed, timing is really important. You don’t want to introduce too many changes all at once. Making the transition when things are fairly stable in your family and your child’s life is key. It is important to avoid doing it around the same time as big life changes such as a new sibling, starting school, or changing childcare. Aiming to transition a few months before or after these events will make things easier for your little one.

Also if your little one’s sleep has been a bit of a challenge, transitioning them from a cot to a bed might not magically fix things. In fact, it’s usually a good idea to sort out any sleep issues first before making that big switch. That way, the transition will be smoother and more successful. So, focus on improving their sleep habits first, and then go for the bed transition when the time is right!

It is important to emotionally prepare your little one for the transition. A week or two before the switch, talking with your child about the switch can help to prepare them. You might want to let them know that they’re growing up and are ready for this amazing new bed. It can help to set some expectations too—like staying in bed all night. Setting these loving bedtime boundaries gets a lot easier as they get older.

Another great way to get your little one excited about moving to a big kid bed is to involve them in the process! Taking them shopping for some new bedding, or even letting them help pick out the bed itself often prove helpful. You could narrow it down to a couple of options and let them choose their favourite—that way, they feel like they have some control and can get excited about the change. And when it’s time to set up the new bed, having your child help out and be involved in the whole process can make the transition so much smoother!

Making the transition as safe as possible

Ensuring your child’s room is safe and secure is a top priority for any parent. Start by anchoring all furniture firmly to the walls to prevent tipping. Make the space as childproof as possible by locking all doors and windows, and stashing away any toys that might pose a tripping hazard.

Keep an eye out for anything they could potentially climb on and remove it from reach. Don’t overlook the small details—tie up any blind or curtain cords.

For an added layer of safety, consider installing a bed guard to give you extra peace of mind. You may want to consider adding a stair gate at the top of the stairs and keeping the bathroom door, or any other doors closed.

What if your child repeatedly comes out of bed

Let’s dive into how to navigate those tricky moments when your little one discovers the freedom of a big kid bed and keeps getting out of it. The key to a smooth transition is maintaining consistency.

When moving to a new bed, avoid changing any part of their established bedtime or naptime routine. Keep the room setup the same, place the new bed where their cot used to be, and allow them to settle to sleep as they always have.

By keeping their sleep environment familiar, you’ll help ease the transition and minimize disruptions, making it a smoother experience for both you and your child.

Initially, some children may take to their new bed without any issues, but once the excitement fades, they might start getting out of bed. If this happens, it’s essential to address it immediately by setting firm yet loving boundaries.

The most effective strategy is to calmly return your child to bed each time they get up. Gently tuck them in, say a simple “night night,” and leave. It may take some repetitions, but consistency is key to helping them understand the new expectation.

If your little one is having a particularly tough time settling, consider offering to check on them once they’re asleep. This small gesture can be incredibly reassuring and can help ease their transition into a restful night.

And there you have it! All the essentials for making the transition from a cot to a bed a smooth and successful experience for your toddler. With these tips in hand, you’re well-equipped to guide your child through this important milestone with confidence and ease.

Speak soon

Rina x