When should I move my toddler from cot to bed?

Question

So much conflicting advice out there. Some people say 18 months, others say wait till 3. Mine's 20 months and perfectly happy in the cot but I keep worrying I'll leave it too late. How did you all know it was time?

Gemma Coe · Accepted Answer

Hi Rebecca, There is no single right age to move from a cot to a bed, and at 20 months you are certainly not leaving it too late. If your toddler is happy, comfortable and not trying to climb out, there is no need to rush the transition simply because of their age. Many children find the move easier when they are a little older, often closer to 3, as they tend to have more understanding and impulse control by then. Once the cot sides are gone, they suddenly have the freedom to get up, explore and test the new boundary, so waiting until they're a little older can sometimes make the transition smoother. The main reasons to move sooner would be if they are climbing out, have reached the cot manufacturer’s height or weight limit, or the cot is no longer safe or suitable for them. For now, if she is happy, safe and content in her cot, I would enjoy that stage a little longer rather than feeling pressured to move her because of a particular number. I hope that helps!

Claire · Answer

We hung on until nearly 3 and I'm glad we did. That bit of extra self control made a big difference to whether she'd actually stay put once the sides were off. Nobody gives you a prize for doing it early. Unless they're climbing out or you need the cot for a new baby, later is usually the easier ride.

Danny · Answer

Ours basically told us at about two and a half, kept trying to climb into his cousin's bed every time we visited. We took the hint and it went really smoothly. If yours is happy in the cot I honestly wouldn't rush it over a number.

Gita · Answer

We moved at 2 on the dot and regretted it, way too early for ours. She just treated the whole thing as a game and in the end we put the cot back for a couple of months. Second go at nearly 3 was night and day. If in doubt, wait.