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Sleeping Stages: From Crib to Cot and Cot to Bed
Learn how to transition your child from crib to cot and from cot to bed, ensuring safe, comfortable sleep at every stage of development.
As babies and toddlers grow, their sleep needs and sleep environments naturally change. Moving from a crib to a cot, and later from a cot to a bed, are important milestones in early childhood. While these transitions can sometimes feel unsettling for parents, they are a normal part of development and can be managed gently and safely with the right preparation.
Understanding your child’s sleep stages, recognising signs of readiness, and approaching each transition gradually can help support healthy sleep for the whole family.
Always follow current safe sleep guidance, including placing babies on their backs to sleep, using a firm, flat mattress, and keeping sleep spaces clear of loose items. Safe sleep recommendations may vary by country, so parents should follow advice from their health visitor or healthcare professional.
Understanding Your Child’s Sleep Stages
Children’s sleep patterns change significantly from birth through the toddler years. These changes influence how children cope with new sleep environments and why transitions may feel easier at some stages than others.
Infant Sleep Patterns (0–12 months)
Newborns have short sleep cycles, often around 40–50 minutes, and spend much of their sleep in lighter stages. This is why frequent waking is biologically normal in the early months.
As babies grow:
- Sleep cycles gradually lengthen
- Night-time sleep becomes more consolidated
- Naps become more predictable
- Periods of deeper sleep increase
Many families move from a crib or bedside sleeper to a cot during this stage, often when babies become more mobile or outgrow their initial sleep space. The timing of this crib to cot transition varies and should be guided by both developmental readiness and safety considerations.
Toddler Sleep Patterns (1–3 years)
Toddlers typically develop more adult-like sleep cycles and need around 11–14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. However, this stage is also associated with:
- Increased independence
- Separation anxiety
- Bedtime resistance
- Nightmares or night waking
These developmental changes often overlap with the cot to bed transition, which is why timing and preparation are especially important.
Transitioning from Crib to Cot
Moving from a crib or bedside sleeper to a cot is often a baby’s first major sleep transition. While some babies adjust quickly, others benefit from a slower, more gradual approach - particularly if they are used to sleeping very close to a parent.
This stage matters not only for comfort, but also for safety. Babies should always have their own clear, flat sleep space that follows current safe sleep guidance.
Signs your baby is ready for a cot
Your baby may be ready to move from a crib to a cot if they:
- Are rolling, wriggling, or sitting up
- Appear restless or cramped in their current sleep space
- Wake more frequently due to limited space
- Have outgrown their crib or Moses basket
Age can be a factor, but readiness varies between babies.
A gradual crib to cot transition
For babies who have been sleeping in a next-to-me or bedside crib, introducing gentle separation can make the transition feel less abrupt.
A gradual approach may include:
- Zipping up the side of the bedside crib, so your baby begins sleeping in their own defined space
- Moving the crib a few inches away from the bed, increasing distance gradually over time
This phased process allows babies to adjust emotionally and physically, rather than moving suddenly from close contact to a separate cot.
These approaches are intended as gentle, responsive strategies and should always be adapted to your baby’s age, temperament, and individual needs. If parents have concerns about their baby’s sleep or wellbeing, they should seek personalised advice from a qualified health professional.
Step-by-step transition guide
- Introduce the cot during daytime naps to build familiarity
- Keep bedtime routines consistent, including feeds, cuddles, stories, or lullabies
- Respond calmly to night waking, understanding that temporary disruption is common
- Allow time for adjustment, as progress is rarely linear
Common challenges and gentle solutions
- Frequent waking: Often linked to developmental changes or lighter sleep cycles
- Resistance to the cot: Consistency between naps and night-time sleep can help
- Parental anxiety: Gradual transitions can support confidence for both baby and parent
Moving Your Baby Into Their Own Room
Many parents choose to move their baby into their own room after six months. For some families, this can support longer or less disrupted stretches of sleep, as babies are no longer disturbed by parental movement or noise.
However, it’s important to approach this change with realistic expectations. While a separate room can be helpful, it does not automatically resolve sleep difficulties.
Babies may still need support to:
- Establish consistent bedtime routines
- Settle independently between sleep phases
- Feel emotionally secure in a new environment
Every baby responds differently to changes in sleep environment, and improvements may be gradual rather than immediate.
Helping your baby feel safe in their own cot and room
Familiarity can help babies feel secure in a new sleep space:
- Spend short periods playing in the room during the day
- Place your baby in their cot while you stay nearby, for example tidying or folding clothes
- Continue talking or singing so they can hear your voice, even if you briefly step out
This helps babies learn that their cot and room are calm, safe places - not just where they are left at night.
Moving from Cot to Bed
The transition from cot to bed is often influenced by physical development, safety, and cognitive readiness. While many toddler beds are available, moving too early can sometimes lead to disrupted sleep.
From a developmental perspective, many sleep professionals recommend waiting as close to three years as possible, unless safety concerns arise sooner.
Signs your toddler is ready for a bed
Your toddler may be ready if they:
- Are attempting to climb out of the cot despite adjustments
- Are physically too large for the cot
- Can understand simple boundaries
- Show curiosity about sleeping in a bed
If a toddler is settled and sleeping well in their cot, there is often no need to rush this transition.
Safety considerations before moving to a bed
Before switching to a bed, parents may wish to check:
- The cot mattress is set to the lowest position
- There are no toys or furniture that could aid climbing
- Sleepwear does not unintentionally help climbing
Some families use sleeping bags worn backwards to limit movement, but any changes to sleep clothing or equipment should always follow manufacturer guidance and current safe sleep recommendations.
If a child is attempting to climb out of their cot, safety should always come first. Parents should assess risks carefully and seek guidance from a health visitor or healthcare professional if unsure.
Why timing matters
Many toddlers under around 2½ years do not yet understand the concept of staying in bed. Some children may cope initially, followed by increased night-time wandering once they realise they can get up freely.
This can result in:
- Repeated bedtime exits
- Increased bedtime resistance
- Frequent returns to bed overnight
Waiting until closer to three years can reduce these challenges, as children are often better able to understand expectations and boundaries.
Making the cot-to-bed transition smooth
- Keep the bedtime routine exactly the same as it was with the cot
- Avoid introducing phrases such as “don’t get out of bed,” which may introduce ideas the child hadn’t considered
- Consider your child’s temperament:
- Some children benefit from preparation and discussion
- Others cope better when changes are introduced calmly and without excessive focus
These suggestions reflect common developmental patterns, though individual children may respond differently.
Supporting Healthy Sleep at Every Stage
Across all sleep transitions, children benefit from:
- Consistent bedtime routines
- Calm, predictable sleep environments
- Age-appropriate expectations
- Emotional reassurance
These foundations support babies and toddlers as they move through different sleep stages with confidence.
Transitions from crib to cot and cot to bed are a normal part of early childhood. While they can feel challenging at times, gradual changes, realistic expectations, and an understanding of your child’s development can make the process smoother.
Every child is different, and occasional setbacks are completely normal. With patience and consistency, most families find their rhythm again.
For further guidance, parents may find HiPP Organic’s sleep-related resources helpful as part of a calm, informed approach to early sleep development.
FAQs around sleeping stages
Many babies move between 4–6 months, but readiness depends on size, mobility, and development rather than age alone.
Initial resistance is common. Consistency, reassurance, and gradual exposure often help over time.
Some children adjust within days, while others may take several weeks. Gradual changes tend to be more successful.
Climbing attempts, safety concerns, or lack of space are common indicators that a transition may be needed.
