Most parents don’t circle a date on the calendar for this. One night, your kid just stops settling the way they used to.
Either way, it’s a milestone that sounds simple but can quietly reshape your kid’s sleep routines.
Key Takeaways
- Most families start thinking about when to transition from cot to bed between 18 months and 3½ years, but readiness depends more on behaviour, safety, and sleep patterns than age alone.
- The right bed setup focuses on safety, support, and longevity, including a low bed, a supportive mattress, and a size that allows room to grow without needing another quick upgrade.
- Common options include toddler beds, single beds, and convertible cot beds, with the best choice depending on your child’s confidence, movement at night, and how long you want the bed to last.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the ages most kids make the move, the different bed options available, and the signs that show your child is ready.
We’ll also cover safety checks, how to choose the right bed, and practical ways to make the transition feel calmer for everyone involved.
What Age Do Kids Move From Cot Bed to Single Bed?
Most children move from a cot to a bed somewhere between 18 months and 3½ years, with many families finding the transition easier closer to age three.
The timing often depends more on behaviour than birthdays, since toddlers are usually more coordinated by then and better able to follow simple bedtime boundaries.
If your child is climbing out, looks cramped, or needs easier night access for toilet training, it can make sense to switch earlier. If none of that is happening and the cot is still working, there’s no prize for rushing it.
What Type of Bed Should Your Child Move To?
You’ve got a few solid options once it’s time to make the change.
The best bed for kids depends on your child’s age, how wriggly they are at night, and how much you want to future-proof the setup.
- Toddler bed
A toddler bed is often the easiest stepping stone. It sits low, usually has built-in rails, and in many cases you can keep using the same cot-size mattress and bedding. - Single bed
A single bed can last for years, which is great if you’d rather buy once. The trade-off is height. Use a guard rail, check for gaps near the wall, and consider a soft rug or mat beside the bed during the early weeks.
- Bunk bed
Save this for later. Bunk beds are generally better suited to older kids, once they’ve got the coordination and judgement to climb and sleep safely. - Convertible cot bed
If your cot converts, this can feel like the “same bed, new rules.” It keeps the sleep space familiar and often sits lower than a standard single frame, which can ease the shift.
In many cases, you can keep using the same cot mattress and bedding, making the change feel smaller and more manageable at bedtime.
Signs Your Child Is Ready for a Single Bed
There’s no perfect moment, but these signs usually show when the switch makes sense.
1. They can climb out of the cot
When they can get out by themselves, staying safe gets trickier. At that point, a bed is often the safer option.
2. They’ve outgrown the space
Growth spurts often show up at bedtime first. If they look cramped, struggle to settle, or wake more often, they may simply need more room to stretch out.
3. Toilet training is underway
A bed they can get in and out of helps night-time toilet trips feel less stressful and more manageable. It can also reduce accidents by making the toilet easier to reach in time.
4. They’re showing interest in a bigger bed
When your child asks for a “big kid bed” or seems excited by the idea, that enthusiasm can work in your favour.
How to Choose the Right Bed
You’re not just buying a bed. You’re buying fewer wake-ups, fewer bumps, and a setup your child can actually settle into.
Here’s what to look for:
Start with a low bed setup
A bed gives your child more access to the room, so safety checks need to cover what they can reach, climb, or trip over.
A low bed for kids helps reduce bumps, and a guard rail can add peace of mind in the early weeks. Better Health Australia says, “Reduce the risk of falls by pushing one side of the bed against a wall or using a guardrail.”
From there, a few small adjustments can make the space safer:
- Tie up curtain cords and keep blind strings out of reach
- Move tempting climb targets away from the bed, like chairs or low shelves
- Put a soft mat or folded blanket beside the bed for the first few weeks
Pick a mattress that feels supportive
A supportive kid’s mattress gives even resistance across the surface, so your child’s hips and shoulders don’t dip too far. This helps them move freely without waking fully each time they change position.
What matters most is how the mattress responds to weight. If the mattress dips too easily, they can end up sleeping twisted, then waking grumpy.
Choose a size that won’t be outgrown too fast
Bed size affects how long the setup will work. In Australia, a single bed is the most common long-term choice for kids because it gives them room to grow without overwhelming the space.
If you’re deciding which size makes sense, these are the standard options to know:
- Single: 92 × 188 cm
- Long Single: 92 × 203 cm
- King Single: 107 × 203 cm
Think about your room size, your budget, and whether you want to make this change once or in stages.
Tips for Making the Cot to Toddler Bed Transition Smoother
The move to a bed doesn’t always go smoothly on the first try. A little preparation and a steady approach can make a big difference, especially in the first week.
These tips are designed to help the change feel calmer and more predictable for everyone:
Talk it up before you switch
The goal is familiarity, not hype.
Toddlers cope better with change when they know it’s coming. Give them a heads up a few days before, keep the language simple, and explain what will happen next.
Keep the bedtime routine exactly the same
Same bath, same book, same lights-out rhythm. When the bed changes, everything else should feel predictable.
If you can, avoid stacking this change on top of other big shifts like moving house, a new daycare, or a new sibling arriving next week.
Keep the setup simple and familiar
Familiar items help the new bed feel safe from the first night.
Keeping the same blanket, soft toy, or bedtime routine gives your child something recognisable in a new space, which can make settling easier.
Let them have a say
A small choice can make a big difference. Let your child pick the bedding, a pillowcase, or where their favourite toy goes. It helps them feel involved, rather than feeling like the change was decided for them.
Expect a wobbly week and stay calm
The first few nights can come with extra visits, extra calling out, or a child who keeps popping up like toast. Keep your response boring and consistent. Walk them back, tuck them in, repeat.
If safety is not an issue and it’s going badly, it’s also fine to pause and try again later.
What Bed Should You Buy?
Going with a standard single bed keeps things simple long term. A secure frame and supportive mattress can reduce night disruptions and help your child rest more easily.
The Ecosa Kids Mattress is built with growing bodies in mind, offering support without excessive sink so your child can rest in a more natural position.
Pair it with an Ecosa bed frame to complete the space, whether you prefer the clean lines of a timber bed frame or the softer look of an upholstered bed frame.
Explore our Ecosa mattress range and pair it with bedding that suits your child’s room and routine.