Helping Your Child Move From Cot to Their First “Big Kid” Bed
Shifting your little one from a cosy cot to their very first kids’ bed is a huge milestone, exciting, emotional and sometimes a little daunting. At teddyBed, we create children’s beds and mattresses designed specifically for safe, confident and independent sleep.
This Australian parent guide covers:
- The ideal age to move from cot to bed
- How to choose a safe, independence-friendly kids’ bed
- What matters most in a children’s mattress
- Ways to support a smooth transition
Let’s make this next stage feel calm, positive and magical.
📌 1. When Is the Right Time to Move From Cot to Bed?
Australian sleep consultants and paediatric organisations generally suggest:
- Most children transition between 18 months and 3½ years
- Many families notice the “sweet spot” between 2 and 3 years
- Waiting until closer to 3 years may support more settled sleep
- Transition earlier only if safety or readiness cues are clear
Readiness signs might include:
- Climbing in or out of the cot
- Asking for a “big kid bed”
- Running out of room in the cot
- A new baby needing the cot
- Night toilet training
Tip: If your child sleeps safely and happily in their cot, there’s no rush. A readiness-led transition is almost always smoother.
📌 2. Choosing the Right Kids Bed Frame for Independence
The bed frame you choose has a big impact on how confident and secure your child feels.
✔ Low-to-the-ground = safer, calmer, more independent
A low or Montessori-style bed gives your child the freedom to get in and out safely without relying on an adult. This supports:
- Greater independence
- Less risk from falls
- A calmer introduction to a larger sleep space
- Montessori principles of autonomy and respectful sleep environments
What to look for in your child’s first bed:
- Low height: perfect for toddlers transitioning from a cot
- Strong, stable frame: no wobble or sharp corners
- Optional guard rails: helpful for children still learning spatial awareness
- A size they can grow into: many Aussie families choose a king single to avoid upgrading later
- Correct mattress fit: no gaps along the edges
📌 3. What Makes a Quality Kids Mattress?
Your child’s mattress plays a huge role in supporting their growing spine, posture and night-time comfort.
✔ Choose a Medium-Firm or Firm Mattress
Children need supportive surfaces that help alignment, not soft, sink-in styles. A firmer mattress helps:
- Maintain healthy spinal posture
- Prevent dipping
- Support easier movement during sleep
- Avoid long-term musculoskeletal issues
Avoid overly plush pillow top styles for younger children to ensure the surface stays supportive.
✔ A Flat, Non-Quilted Surface
A smooth surface provides:
- Even body support
- Fewer pressure points
- A neutral spinal position
✔ Breathable & Low-Toxicity Materials
Airflow is essential for preventing overheating (a common toddler sleep disruptor).
Look for features such as:
- Low VOC foam (CertiPUR-US® / REACH tested)
- Additional certifications like OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100
✔ Prioritise Hygiene: Washable, Removable Covers
Realistically, toddlers = spills, night-time accidents and allergies.
Washable covers help:
- Reduce dust mites
- Minimise allergens
- Extend the mattress lifespan
- Keep the sleeping surface hygienic
Hypoallergenic, antibacterial fabrics are especially helpful in Australian climates.
📌 4. Supporting Your Child Through the Transition
Some children adjust immediately; others take a few weeks. Both are completely normal.
✔ Stick to your bedtime rhythm
Bath → pyjamas → book → cuddle. Familiar routines create a sense of safety.
✔ Let them choose something
Picking their bedding, pillow or even the bed frame builds excitement and control.
✔ Make the bedroom safe for night-time freedom
Since they can now get out independently:
- Secure furniture to walls
- Tidy blind cords
- Cover power outlets
- Keep hazards out of reach
✔ Expect a settling-in phase
You may see early wake-ups, wandering or extra reassurance. This is all part of the process.
📌 5. Why Australian Families Choose teddyBed
At teddyBed, every design focuses on children’s needs, their bodies, their mobility and their growing independence.
Our range includes:
✨ Low-to-the-floor bed frames
✨ Firm, supportive kids mattresses
✨ Flat, non-quilted tops for proper alignment
✨ Removable, washable, hypoallergenic covers
✨ Certified, independently tested materials
✨ Styles that grow with your child
We make choosing the right kids bed simple, safe and stylish. Perfect for Australian homes.
Final Thoughts
Moving your child into their first kids’ bed is a beautiful, confidence-building milestone. With the right bed and a supportive mattress, you can set them up for healthy, independent and comfortable sleep for years to come.
If you’re ready to explore thoughtfully designed, child-safe sleep solutions, the teddyBed range is here for you.