Is there anything more adorable than seeing your little one tucked up in their bed? Wrapped up all cosy and warm in their favourite blanket, one hand clasped around a favourite cuddly toy, the other stretched out between the bars of their cot. Hang on. It looks like their feet might be poking out the other end too! Have they grown too big for their cot?

Moving from a cot to a regular bed is a major milestone for a young child! Their cot has been a place of comfort and security for the longest time, so making the switch could prove to be an overwhelming experience. With this in mind, it’s important that we make the change for the right reasons.

So, what are the reasons for moving from cot to bed?

The switch from cot to bed typically occurs between the ages of 1.5–18 months and 3, but if your little one is sleeping well in their cot, it’s best to wait as long as possible before making the change. However, there are various valid reasons and certain signs that will let you know it’s time for bed.

As your child grows, they’ll quickly become more physically adept. With this comes the ability to climb. If they’re tall enough to attempt it, they’ll almost certainly try to climb their way out of their cot, which will, of course, prove dangerous. If you think they’re capable of the climb, it’s probably time to make the switch. If they have already successfully managed to climb out, it’s definitely time to switch!

There will be a time when your little one outgrows their cot and visibly struggles to get comfortable. If it looks like a tight squeeze, they’re most likely ready for a real bed.

It could also be that your child asks to move from the cot to a real bed, and if you think they’re ready, go for it!

If your child is learning to use the toilet all on their own, you may want to encourage them to go in the middle of the night. And this certainly won’t be easy if they’re stuck inside their cot.

Before we consider how to make the big change, you’ll also want to think about which kind of bed will suit your toddler.

The toddler bed There are plenty of toddler beds on the market, coming in all sorts of exciting designs, from car to boat to castle. Toddler beds are small and low and typically have guardrails to keep your little one from rolling out of bed and onto the floor. The only downside is that your child will grow and grow, so you may need to buy another bed sooner than you’d have hoped.

A regular bed. If you opt for a regular bed, choose a low one and make sure to protect against bedtime tumbles. Whether you choose a bed with railings or place soft blankets on the floor at night, don’t forget—safety first!

A mattress on the floor. Although it may seem like an odd choice, a mattress on the floor can be a great in-between from a cot to a regular bed. Not only does it eliminate the danger of a drop, but it also allows your child to hop in and out of bed all on their own.

The bunk bed Given that it’s unsafe for a child under the age of six to sleep in a bunk bed, your best bet is to avoid them altogether until your child has made it past the preschool years.

In the end, prioritise your child’s safety when choosing a new bed. And now that we’ve considered a variety of different beds, let’s take a look at a few different methods for making the switch.

How do we make the change from cot to bed?

Of the following three methods, choose which best suits your child’s personality, your reasons for making the change, and the size of their bedroom.

The big event

Some kids just love looking forward to an event, whether it’s a birthday party or a trip to the seaside! And if you can bring that same excitement that comes with party preparation to the bed change, your little one will feel prepared and excited about the move. You could even organise a ‘Big Bed Day Party’, decorating their bedroom and wrapping up new bedsheets and pillows.

The gradual introduction

Many children don’t respond well to sudden and immediate change. They feel pressure as the day looms, worried they can’t meet expectations. If you think this might be the case with your child, you might favour the gradual approach. By testing the idea of a new bed a little at a time, you avoid upsetting and overwhelming your child.

Begin by setting up the new bed in the same room as the old cot, and then let them play on the bed or read them a story there just before you turn the lights off. Perhaps they’ll even be interested in napping on the new bed. As they get more and more comfortable with the change, suggest that they sleep there an entire night. Just be careful not to force them. This is a big change for a little person.

The surprise

If your little one has been asking for a new bed, and you know they like their surprises, this might be the method for you! Wait until they’re out for the day, and then make the bed switch, filling the bed with a couple of their favourite cuddly toys and comfy blankets.

If your child has difficulty coping with the change, waking regularly, and struggling to fall asleep, the move might have come too soon. If that’s the case, there’s no harm in switching back to the cot. So keep it around for a month or two, just in case.

Or, if they have a cot bed, you could simply start by taking one side off for them to get used to the idea before changing it completely to a bed.

What to do before moving my child from crib (cot) to bed?

From Unii’s Toddler Sleep Journey, we share how to move your child from crib (cot) to bed.