How to Transition Your Toddler from a Cot to a Bed (Without the Bedtime Battles)

If you’re wondering whether it’s time to move your toddler from a cot to a bed, you’re not alone - it’s one of the most common questions we get from parents.

Maybe you’ve already started the transition and are now finding yourself walking your toddler back to bed all night. Or maybe you’re preparing and want to get it right the first time. Either way, this guide will help you make the move smooth, safe, and sleep-friendly.

1. Timing is Everything

If your toddler is sleeping well in their cot and isn’t climbing out, there’s no rush. In fact, waiting until at least 2.5 years old (ideally closer to 3) makes the transition so much easier.
Younger toddlers don’t have the impulse control to stay in bed, and that new freedom can be overwhelming.

The main reasons to move earlier:

• They’re climbing out and safety is a concern

• You absolutely need the cot for a new sibling (and even then, aim for 2 months before the baby arrives so it’s not linked to the new sibling)

If you need the cot but your toddler still sleeps well in it, consider borrowing or buying a second-hand cot (Marketplace often have great options for under $80) to buy yourself more time.

2. Make Sure Sleep is Already Going Well

A bed won’t fix sleep issues - in fact, it can make them worse if they’re already struggling.
If your toddler is waking often, taking a long time to fall asleep, or relying on you heavily overnight, focus on strengthening their sleep foundations in the cot first.

3. Watch for Signs You’ve Moved Too Soon

It’s common for the first week to feel easy… then suddenly things unravel around week two or three, when they realise, “Hang on… I can get out of bed now!”

Signs you may have transitioned too early include:

• Getting out of bed repeatedly

• Waking more overnight

• Early rising

• Refusing day naps

• Taking longer to fall asleep

If this happens, it’s okay to pause, bring the cot back, and try again in a month or two.

4. Role Play the New Routine

Toddlers learn best through play. Role play what staying in bed looks like by having them “put their toys to bed” or practise saying goodnight. This helps them understand expectations in a fun, low-pressure way.

5. Use the Cot as a Safety Net

In the early days, keep the cot set up. If bedtime turns into a game of musical beds or your toddler’s safety is at risk, use the “natural consequence” of returning to the cot for the night and trying again tomorrow.

6. Make it Special and Positive

If your child is old enough, involve them in choosing their new bed, sheets, or doona cover. This makes it exciting and gives them ownership over the change.

7. Stay in the Driver’s Seat When the Pushback Starts

The first few nights (or weeks) in a big bed can feel like a revolving door — your toddler gets out, asks for water, needs another cuddle, wants one more story, or suddenly remembers they must find that one toy from three days ago.

This is all normal. They’re testing the new freedom and checking whether the rules still apply.

Your job? Stay calm, stay consistent, and stay in the driver’s seat.

• Acknowledge their request briefly (“I hear you want water, but it’s bedtime now”)

• Stick to your boundaries (“We’ve done our stories, now it’s time for sleep”)

• Walk them straight back to bed each time with minimal interaction

The less exciting it is to get out of bed, the faster the novelty wears off — and the sooner they learn the new rules are here to stay.

💛 And when they do well - make a big deal about it! In the morning, praise them for staying in bed and sleeping in their big bed. A high-five, sticker chart, or a special “you did it!” moment helps them feel proud and motivates them to repeat it.

The Bottom Line

The ideal age for most toddlers is around 3 years old - but with the right approach, earlier transitions can work too. The key is to go in with a plan, set clear boundaries from night one, and keep sleep a top priority.

If you’d like step-by-step support for your toddler’s cot-to-bed transition, we offer one-on-one consults tailored to your child’s age, sleep history, and temperament. 
💛 You don’t have to do it alone and with the right strategy, it can be a smooth, positive change for everyone. 

For more guidance on all things toddler sleep - from nap transitions to bedtime boundaries - our 2–4 Year Old Sleep Guide is packed with practical tips, flexible routines, and troubleshooting for common toddler sleep challenges. It’s the perfect companion to your cot-to-bed journey.