Moving to a Big Bed: When and How to Make the Transition

Moving from a cot to a big bed is a major milestone, and for many families it can feel equal parts exciting and intimidating. Some children transition smoothly, while others experience bedtime battles, frequent overnight visits, or early mornings that suddenly become very real.

The key to a successful big bed transition is timing, safety, and having a clear plan for boundaries before you make the move. This guide explains when to transition, what signs to look for, how to set up the room, and how to support sleep through the change.

When should a child move to a big bed?

There is no single perfect age, but most children are best to stay in the cot as long as it remains safe. Many toddlers sleep best in a cot because it provides clear boundaries and fewer distractions.


Most families transition somewhere between 2 and 3.5 years, but earlier transitions do happen, especially for safety reasons.

If your child is still sleeping well in the cot and it is safe, there is usually no need to rush.

Signs it might be time to transition

Climbing out of the cot

This is the clearest safety flag. If your toddler is climbing out, it is time to change the sleep setup. Once climbing starts, the risk of injury increases significantly.

This often overlaps with getting out of bed behaviours later, so having a boundary plan matters.

The cot is no longer safe or suitable

Some children grow tall quickly, or the cot setup becomes difficult for parents to manage safely.

You are transitioning for family reasons

Sometimes the cot is needed for a new baby, or a house move forces changes. If you can, it is best to avoid big sleep transitions at the same time as other major changes, but real life does not always allow that.

If your toddler is in a sensitive stage, fear and separation can flare, especially around the 24 month sleep regression.

When not to transition if you can avoid it

If your child is:

it is often worth stabilising sleep first before moving to a big bed, unless climbing is making the cot unsafe.

How to set up for a successful big bed transition

1. Prioritise safety first

Once your child is in a bed, they can access the room. That means the entire room becomes the sleep space.

This is where the toddler environment matters most. Before night one:

  • anchor furniture to the wall

  • remove hazards and cords

  • secure windows

  • use a baby gate if there are stairs

  • consider childproofing the door or using a gate at the doorway if wandering is unsafe

2. Choose the right sleep setup

Options include:

  • a toddler bed

  • a low single bed

  • a floor bed setup

  • a single bed with a guard rail

There is no perfect choice, the best setup is the one that is safe, low stimulation, and supports boundaries.

3. Keep the room boring at night

A big bed can feel like freedom. If the room is full of toys, books, and stimulation, bedtime can quickly turn into playtime.

Aim for:

  • minimal toys accessible overnight

  • dim lighting

  • predictable sleep cues

If fear is a factor, a night light can help. See fear of the dark for practical strategies.

How to transition without disrupting sleep

1. Talk about it ahead of time


Toddlers do better when transitions feel predictable. Use simple language:

  • “Your body is getting bigger, soon you will sleep in your big bed.”

  • “Mum and Dad will still help you at bedtime, and you will sleep in your bed all night.”

Avoid overhyping it. Calm and confident works best.

2. Keep the bedtime routine consistent

Routine is the anchor during big changes. Keep the steps the same even if the bed is different.

If you need a structure, see creating a night routine that supports sleep.

3. Hold boundaries from night one

The biggest predictor of success is what happens when your toddler gets out of bed.

If your child gets out repeatedly, it is rarely a sign the bed was a mistake. It is usually a sign they are testing the new boundary.

This is where you need a clear plan, see getting out of bed at night.

A consistent approach is:

  • return them calmly

  • minimal talking

  • same phrase each time

  • repeat as needed

Consistency is what makes the boundary feel safe.


4. Expect an adjustment period

Many toddlers take 1 to 2 weeks to fully adjust. During that time you may see:

  • bedtime delays

  • more calling out

  • early morning rising

  • overnight visits

If sleep becomes very early, it can help to review routines and sleep pressure, see undertired vs overtired.

What if the transition causes sleep to fall apart?

If sleep disruption lasts beyond a couple of weeks, it usually means one of these is happening:

  • boundaries are inconsistent

  • fear or anxiety is driving repeated wake ups

  • the room setup is too stimulating

  • routine needs adjusting

  • your toddler has learned that getting out of bed leads to a rewarding response

If your toddler becomes anxious at bedtime, check separation anxiety and fear of the dark.

If bedtime turns into long battles, revisit bedtime battles.

Looking ahead

Moving to a big bed is a big transition, but with the right timing, a safe room setup, and clear boundaries, most toddlers adjust well and return to predictable sleep.

The Toddler Course supports families through toddler sleep challenges including cot to bed transitions, bedtime battles, overnight waking, fears, getting out of bed, and emotional development, with practical strategies that grow with your child.

If you want long term guidance across both baby and toddler years, the Infant and Toddler Bundle provides step by step support through regressions, routines, nap transitions, toddler boundaries, and sleep disruptions as your child grows.

Certified paediatric sleep consultant Eva Beke with her children.

Eva Beke

Certified Paediatric Sleep Consultant

Founder The Sleepy Little Bubs

I’m Eva Beke, a certified baby and toddler sleep consultant and founder of The Sleepy Little Bubs, supporting families across Australia and the world with evidence based baby and toddler sleep support.

My approach is realistic, supportive, and designed to evolve as your child grows, so you’re not just getting help for today, but confidence moving forward.

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