From Cot to Toddler Bed in 5 Steps – The Big Guide
The transition from a cot to the first "big" toddler bed is a milestone. For your child, it means more freedom, more independence – and a new kind of security. For you as parents, it sometimes means sleepless nights, uncertainty, and the question: Are we doing this right?
This guide summarises everything you need for a successful transition – from the first signs of readiness to the first peaceful night in the new bed.
Why the transition is so important
The cot was your child's first safe world. They knew its boundaries, its size, its smell. The new bed is initially unfamiliar – bigger, more open, different. Children who are well-prepared for this transition often sleep even better than before. Children who switch unprepared often struggle for weeks with the new sleeping place.
The difference is not in the bed – it's in the preparation.
When is the right time?
There is no fixed age. Most children transition between 18 months and 3.5 years. The decisive factor is your child's signals:
| Signal | Meaning | Urgency |
|---|---|---|
| Child climbs out of the cot | Safety risk | 🔴 Act immediately |
| Child appears physically confined | Bed too small | 🟡 Change soon |
| Child asks for a big bed themselves | Developmental readiness | 🟢 Ideal timing |
| Child is between 2 and 3.5 years old | Typical window | 🟢 Good timing |
| Child sleeps restlessly, wakes up often | Possible connection | 🟡 Investigate |
What you should avoid
- Making the change during other major transitions (moving, starting daycare, new sibling)
- Surprises – no new bed overnight
- Pressure – readiness cannot be forced
- Immediately removing the cot
- Choosing a bed that is too high – the entry height must be child-friendly
Step 1: Preparation (2 weeks beforehand)
Start preparing two weeks before the planned change. Talk about the new bed: "Soon you'll get your first big bed – like a big kid." Show pictures. Let your child help decide: What colour? Which bedding?
Children who are involved look forward to the change – instead of fearing it.
Step 2: Choosing the right bed
The first big bed should meet the following criteria:
- Low entry height: Your child should be able to get in and out independently
- Organic fall protection: Soft, without hard edges, without bars
- Non-toxic materials: Oeko-Tex certified, European production
- Stable construction: Withstands even intensive use
- Timeless design: Grows with the child, fits into the room
The Mila Cloud children's bed was developed precisely for this transition. Velvety soft all-round padding, organically shaped fall protection without bars, non-toxic materials – developed in Switzerland, manufactured in Europe. Security in its most beautiful form.
Step 3: Setting up the new bed – with ceremony
Make setting it up an event. Your child helps with assembly, puts on the bedding, places their favourite stuffed animal inside. The more your child experiences the bed as "theirs," the faster they will feel comfortable in it.
Leave the old cot in the room for a few more days. Your child should see: It's still there – it doesn't have to be gone. After a week, remove it without comment.
Step 4: The first night
The evening ritual remains identical. The same sequence, the same time, the same songs or stories. The only change is the location. This continuity signals to your child: The night is as usual – only the sleeping place is new.
Expect your child to get up more often or call for you during the first few nights. This is normal. Gently and consistently return them to the new bed. After five to ten nights, the new sleeping place will have become a habit.
Step 5: Accompanying the first two weeks
Remain consistent and patient. Praise your child for every night in the new bed. A sticker chart can help: For every night in the big bed, there's a sticker – after five stickers, a small reward.
If your child persistently wants to go back to the cot: Give them time. Try again after two to four weeks. Pressure does not help.
Optimising the sleep environment
The new bed is only part of the equation. The entire sleep environment should be right:
- Room temperature: 18 degrees Celsius
- Darken the room: Blackout curtains or blinds
- Quiet: Minimise noise sources
- Night light: Dim, warm white light if needed
- Familiar objects: Stuffed animal, usual bedding
Checklist: Is everything ready?
| Task | Completed? |
|---|---|
| Child informed and involved in the transition | ☐ |
| Right bed selected (low, with fall protection) | ☐ |
| Bed set up and made together | ☐ |
| Favourite stuffed animal placed in the new bed | ☐ |
| Evening ritual maintained unchanged | ☐ |
| Floor next to bed secured (first nights) | ☐ |
| Cot still left in the room | ☐ |
| Patience planned – at least 2 weeks | ☐ |
Frequently asked questions about the transition
How long does the adjustment period take?
Most children need five to fourteen nights. Children who have been well-prepared and helped choose the bed often adjust more quickly.
What to do if my child comes to the parents' bed at night?
Gently and consistently bring them back – without making a big fuss, without long explanations. After a few nights, the behaviour subsides.
Do I need to buy a junior bed or go straight for a full-size bed?
A junior bed (70 x 140 cm) is an option for very young children. However, a 90 x 200 cm bed is more economical in the long run – it will last until adolescence. Choose a bed that suits your child's height and the room.
What if the transition doesn't work at all?
Give yourselves and your child time. If there is no improvement after four weeks, sleep counselling can help. The University Children's Hospital Zurich and many mother-father counselling centres in Switzerland offer these services.
The most important things at a glance
The transition from a cot succeeds with preparation, involvement, and patience. The right bed – low, soft, with organic fall protection – makes all the difference. The evening ritual remains the same. And after one to two weeks, the cot is forgotten.
From cot to their first own realm – more aesthetics, more security, more freedom.
Sources: Swiss Society of Paediatrics (SGP); University Children's Hospital Zurich; Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU); kindergesundheit-info.de, as of 2025.
