Transitioning your toddler to a big bed seems straightforward enough—buy a bed, set it up, and voila! But as many parents discover, the reality can be more challenging. After speaking with hundreds of Australian families and consulting with child sleep experts, we've compiled the most common mistakes parents make during this transition and, more importantly, how to avoid them.
Mistake #1: Transitioning Too Early
Perhaps the most common mistake is moving a child to a toddler bed before they're developmentally ready. Often this happens because parents think it's "time," or because a new sibling is on the way and they need the cot.
The Problem
Children under 2.5 years often lack the cognitive development to understand and follow the rules around staying in bed. Without the physical boundary of the cot, they have freedom they're not ready to manage, leading to endless bedtime battles and night wakings.
The Solution
- Wait until your child shows genuine readiness signs (climbing out, expressing interest, understanding instructions)
- If you need the cot for a new baby, consider alternatives like a bassinet or second cot
- Don't compare to other children—readiness varies widely and that's completely normal
Reality Check
Most sleep consultants recommend keeping children in the cot until at least age 2.5-3, unless there's a safety issue like climbing. There's no advantage to transitioning early.
Mistake #2: Poor Room Preparation
Once your toddler can get out of bed, they have access to the entire room—not just during the day, but at 2am when you're asleep. Many parents underestimate how thoroughly the room needs to be childproofed.
The Problem
Unfixed furniture, accessible cords, small objects, and other hazards become safety risks when a child can roam unsupervised.
The Solution
- Anchor all furniture to the walls—dressers, bookshelves, and wardrobes
- Remove or secure blind cords (or switch to cordless window treatments)
- Cover all power outlets
- Remove anything breakable, valuable, or dangerous
- Consider a baby gate at the door to contain your child safely
Key Takeaway
Do a thorough safety audit on hands and knees—at your child's eye level. You'll spot hazards you'd miss from adult height.
Mistake #3: Skipping the Guardrails
Some parents opt for beds without guardrails, thinking their child won't need them or wanting a more "grown-up" look.
The Problem
Toddlers move a lot in their sleep. Without guardrails, falls are common, especially in the first weeks before your child adjusts to the new space.
The Solution
- Choose a bed with built-in guardrails or add portable rails
- Keep guardrails in place for at least 6-12 months, longer if needed
- Even with guardrails, place soft padding on the floor beside the bed initially
- Consider a very low bed or floor bed if falls are a particular concern
Mistake #4: Inconsistent Boundaries
The newfound freedom of a toddler bed means your child will test limits—getting out of bed, coming to your room, calling for you repeatedly. How you respond matters enormously.
The Problem
Inconsistent responses teach children that persistence pays off. If getting out of bed sometimes results in extra stories, sometimes results in being carried back, and sometimes results in sleeping in your bed, they'll keep testing to see what they can get.
The Solution
- Decide on your approach before the transition and get all caregivers on the same page
- Respond to bed escapes the same way every single time
- The "boring return" method works well: silently, calmly, and without engagement, return your child to bed. Repeat as many times as needed.
- It may take many returns the first few nights, but consistency dramatically shortens the adjustment period
Stay Calm
Your emotional response affects your child's behaviour. The more boring and uneventful bed returns are, the faster they'll lose their appeal.
Mistake #5: Transitioning During Other Major Changes
Life doesn't always allow for perfect timing, but whenever possible, avoid stacking major transitions.
The Problem
Too much change at once overwhelms toddlers. Starting childcare, a new sibling's arrival, moving house, or toilet training all require significant adjustment. Adding a bed transition amplifies stress for everyone.
The Solution
- Space out major transitions by at least 4-6 weeks when possible
- If you must transition before a new baby arrives, do it 2-3 months ahead
- Choose a calm, stable period in your family's life
- If disruption is unavoidable, increase other sources of stability (routine, special time with parents)
Mistake #6: Making the Transition a Big Deal
While some children respond well to fanfare, others become anxious or overstimulated when too much attention is placed on the change.
The Problem
Building up the transition as a huge event can backfire, creating pressure and anxiety rather than excitement.
The Solution
- Read your child's personality—some thrive with celebrations, others prefer quiet transitions
- Present the bed matter-of-factly: "Here's your new bed. Let's get it ready for tonight."
- Involve them in age-appropriate ways (choosing bedding, helping put on sheets)
- Avoid lengthy discussions about the change or excessive praise—treat it as normal
Mistake #7: Expecting Immediate Success
Some children take to their new bed instantly. Many don't. Parents often underestimate how long adjustment takes.
The Problem
Unrealistic expectations lead to frustration, which your child will pick up on. This can make the transition harder.
The Solution
- Plan for 2-6 weeks of adjustment as a realistic timeline
- Expect some sleep disruption and don't catastrophise it
- Celebrate small wins rather than focusing on setbacks
- If serious problems persist beyond 6-8 weeks, consider consulting a sleep specialist
Mistake #8: Neglecting the Bedtime Routine
With all the focus on the new bed, parents sometimes forget that the surrounding routine is equally important.
The Problem
A strong bedtime routine provides structure and predictability that helps children settle. Disrupting or neglecting the routine during the transition removes an important source of security.
The Solution
- Keep your existing bedtime routine as consistent as possible
- If anything, slightly extend calming activities during the transition period
- End the routine with your child in their new bed, not being transferred to it
- See our guide on bedtime routines that work for detailed strategies
Mistake #9: Choosing the Wrong Bed
Not all toddler beds are created equal, and choosing based on aesthetics alone can lead to problems.
The Problem
Beds that are too high, lack appropriate guardrails, have unsafe gap dimensions, or are made from poor-quality materials can pose safety risks or wear out quickly.
The Solution
- Prioritise safety features over looks
- Choose quality materials that will last
- Ensure the bed meets or references relevant safety standards
- Check our comparison guide for recommendations vetted for Australian families
Mistake #10: Giving Up Too Soon
The transition gets challenging—as expected—and parents decide to go back to the cot or move to a different approach entirely.
The Problem
Returning to the cot after introducing the bed can confuse children and make subsequent attempts even harder. Frequent changes in approach undermine progress.
The Solution
- Commit to the transition once you've started (unless there's a genuine safety concern)
- Ride out the difficult first weeks—they will end
- Seek support from partners, family, or professionals rather than abandoning ship
- Remember: temporary disruption leads to long-term success
Learning from others' mistakes can spare you considerable stress. Armed with this knowledge, you're well-prepared to navigate the toddler bed transition successfully.
For more guidance, explore our safety tips for the transition and beginner's guide to choosing a toddler bed.