Moving Your Child from a Cot to a Bed

Moving from a cot to a bed is an important step. There is no single age that works for every child. What matters most is your child’s development and whether their current cot still fits them safely.

A little preparation can help make the change safer and easier for your child and family.

Know: When is it time to move?

A cot that meets Australia’s mandatory infant sleep product safety requirements remains a safer option while your child fits within the product’s limits and cannot climb out.

Many children move to a bed between two and three years of age. Some children are ready earlier, particularly if they begin climbing.

It may be time to move your child when:

• They can climb out, or look likely to succeed
• They have reached a height, weight or developmental limit in the manufacturer’s instructions
• The top of the cot side is no longer high enough to contain them safely
• They need independent access to the toilet overnight.

Children develop at different rates, and climbing can begin unexpectedly. Checking the cot regularly can help you notice when it is time to make a change.

While your child is still using a cot

• Use a cot that meets Australia’s mandatory infant sleep product safety requirements. Read more information here.
• Assemble and use the cot according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use only the mattress designed or specified for that cot.
• Lower the mattress base when directed by the manufacturer, including when your child can sit, pull themselves up or stand.
• Keep the cot clear of pillows, cot bumpers, soft toys (before 7 months of age, more information here), loose objects and anything your child could use as a step.
• Keep blind cords, electrical cords, mobiles, heaters and other hazards well out of reach.
• Do not modify the cot or add an extra mattress or padding.

For a portable cot, follow the height, weight and developmental limits for your model. Stop using the cot if your child can stand and shake the sides, climb out, or has reached any limit stated by the manufacturer. (For example, weight). Read more information here.

Check: Choose and set up the new sleep space

Choose an option that suits your child’s development, your home and your family.

A mattress on the floor

A floor mattress can reduce the distance your child could fall.

Before every sleep, check that:

• The mattress is firm, flat, level and in good condition
• It does not noticeably contour around your child’s face or body
• It is positioned away from walls, furniture and other surfaces that could create an entrapment gap
• The area around it is clear of plastic bags, bean bags, large cushions, cords and other hazards
• It is away from doorways and busy walkways
• The floor and underside of the mattress are clean and dry—lift and air it regularly to help prevent moisture and mould.

A low toddler bed

A low toddler bed may reduce the distance of a fall, but its safety depends on its design and setup.

Check that:

• The bed is sturdy, undamaged and correctly assembled
• The mattress is the size and thickness specified by the manufacturer
• The mattress fits securely
• There are no accessible gaps where your child’s head, neck, body or limbs could become trapped
• There are no sharp edges, protrusions or loose parts
• Any side panel or guard is securely fitted.

Only transfer a cot mattress to a toddler bed if the bed manufacturer specifies that the mattress is compatible.

An adult-height bed

A low bed or floor mattress is generally preferable for a young child because it reduces the risk of injury from a fall.

If you use an adult-height bed:

• Use a firm, flat mattress that fits the bed frame
• Check for gaps between the mattress, wall, bedhead, bed frame and any rail
• Keep the bed away from windows, blind cords, heaters and electrical cords
• Keep the possible fall area clear of bedside tables, toys and other hard or sharp objects

Portable bed rails

Portable bed rails can create an entrapment risk if they do not fit the bed and mattress securely.

If you choose to use one:

• Check that the rail is intended for your child’s age and is compatible with the bed and mattress
• Install it exactly as directed by the manufacturer
• Make sure it sits firmly against the mattress
• Check for gaps around and within the rail before every sleep
• Do not place pillows, soft toys or loose bedding against the rail
• Check regularly for movement, loose fittings or damage
• Never improvise a rail or barrier.

If the rail cannot be fitted without gaps, stop using it.

Take Safer Steps: Make the room and home safer

Once your child can get out of bed, they may be able to reach hazards that were previously inaccessible.

Try viewing the room from your child’s height and consider what they could reach, pull, climb, open or swallow.

Anchor furniture

Secure chests of drawers, wardrobes, bookcases, change tables and televisions using the manufacturer-recommended anchoring devices.

Children may climb furniture or open several drawers at once, causing it to topple. Do not place tempting items such as toys, screens or remote controls on top of furniture.

Specified furniture supplied in Australia must include warnings about toppling and the importance of anchoring. The warning is a prompt to act—the furniture still needs to be anchored correctly. Learn more here

Check the whole environment

Before the first sleep—and regularly as your child develops, check that:

• Windows are locked or fitted with appropriate restrictors
• Beds and climbable furniture are positioned away from windows
• Blind and curtain cords are secured and out of reach
• Stairs are protected with correctly installed safety gates where appropriate
• External doors and access to balconies, pools and other water are secured
• Medicines, cleaning products, cosmetics, alcohol, cigarettes and vaping products are locked away
• Button batteries, magnets and small choking hazards are not accessible
• Heaters, fireplaces, lamps, fans, power points and electrical cords cannot be reached
• Plastic bags, nappy sacks, bean bags and large cushions are kept away
• The path between the bed and doorway is clear
• A soft night-light is available if it helps your child move around safely.

Bedding and sleepwear

Wait until your child is over two years old and no longer sleeping in a cot or portable cot before introducing a pillow. A pillow is not essential.

If you introduce one, choose a small, firm pillow and keep the sleep space uncluttered.

Do not use weighted blankets, weighted sleeping bags or other weighted sleep products for babies or toddlers. Read more here

Once your child sleeps in an open bed, choose sleepwear that allows them to stand and walk safely.

A baby sleeping bag may increase the risk of falling if a mobile child tries to walk in it. Change to suitable sleepwear when your child can get out of bed independently.

Other sleep spaces

• Bean bags, sofas, armchairs, large cushions and air mattresses are not safe alternatives to a child’s bed or floor mattress.
• The top bunk or another raised bed is not recommended for children under nine years of age. Bunk beds supplied in Australia must meet the applicable mandatory safety standard and be assembled and used according to their instructions. Learn more here.

Before every sleep: a quick check

Ask:

• Is the bed or mattress firm, flat, stable, and in good condition?
• Are there any gaps where my child could become trapped?
• Is the area around the bed clear?
• Is furniture securely anchored?
• Are windows, stairs, cords, electricity, water, medicines, and small objects out of reach?
• Can my child move safely in their sleepwear if they get out of bed?

If something is not safe yet, stop, correct the hazard or move your child to a safer sleep space.

For more safe sleep advice, contact the Red Nose Safe Sleep Advice Hub on 1300 998 698 (during AEST/AEDT business hours) or visit rednose.org.au/safesleep.