When to Move to a Big Bed (And Why You Might Want to Wait)

When to Move to a Big Bed (And Why You Might Want to Wait)

Author: Sally Woods and Bec Maher April 14, 2025 Duration: 26:38

It’s one of the most exciting milestones in toddlerhood, but is it really time to ditch the cot? In Episode 7 of Nap Trapped, Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre) break down everything you need to know about transitioning your toddler to a big bed.

From common mistakes to safety tips, this episode is packed with practical advice (and plenty of laughs). You’ll hear why our motto is “Crib ‘til College”, the surprising benefits of keeping your toddler in a cot longer, and how to troubleshoot tricky transitions when climbing out becomes a problem.


🛏 What You’ll Learn:

  • The ideal age to move to a big bed (and why)

  • Why impulse control matters more than excitement

  • How to avoid the dreaded bedtime pop-outs

  • When to hold off during major life transitions (like a new baby)

  • Smart hacks for stopping cot climbing without switching to a bed

  • What to do if the transition flops and you need to reverse it


Timestamps:0:00 Welcome & Crib ‘til College Confessions2:00 The #1 Mistake Parents Make With Big Beds4:00 What Age Is Best for Transitioning?6:00 New Siblings, New Stress: Why It’s Not the Right Time8:30 Cot Climbing? Try This First11:00 Safe Sleep Tools: Sleeping Bags, Backwards Zips & Boundaries15:00 When the Cot Has to Go: Making the Switch Smooth20:00 Big Bed Tips: Behaviour, Routine & Staying Warm24:00 If It All Goes Wrong: Reversing the Transition


🎙️ ABOUT NAP TRAPPEDHosted by sleep consultants Sally Woods (The Sleep Concierge) and Bec Maher (The Sleep Centre), Nap Trapped delivers expert baby and toddler sleep advice with zero judgement. Whether you're dealing with contact naps or bedtime stalling, we’re here to help demystify sleep and build your confidence.



Ever found yourself stuck on the couch, scrolling in the quiet, while your little one finally sleeps? You're not alone, and that's exactly where Nap Trapped finds its groove. Hosted by Australian sleep consultants Sally Woods of The Sleep Concierge and Bec Maher from The Sleep Centre, this podcast meets you in that exhausted, sometimes isolating space. It’s a direct conversation between two experts who are also mums, blending solid, evidence-based strategies with the real-world chaos of family life. They break down the 'why' behind restless nights and short naps, moving beyond rigid rules to offer adaptable, practical solutions that actually fit your day. The tone is all solidarity and zero judgment, recognising that every family's sleep journey is different. You'll hear honest stories, debunk common myths, and get actionable advice that aims to bring more rest to your household, not just your baby. Tune into Nap Trapped for a genuinely helpful mix of professional insight and relatable commiseration, all delivered with a warm, Aussie sensibility. It's the kind of podcast you listen to while you're, well, nap trapped, and finish feeling equipped and understood.
Author: Language: en-au Episodes: 82

Nap Trapped
Podcast Episodes
Which Nap to Train First? Your Step-by-Step Guide To Baby's Naps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:59
Want to subscribe to every ep and enjoy FREE sleep tools? 👉 www.naptrappedpodcast.comWondering where to even start with nap training? Sally and Bec break down their strategic approach to teaching naps without derailing y…
Sleep Detectives: Room Sharing, Night Resets & When to Sleep Train [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:44
Want to subscribe to every ep and enjoy FREE sleep tools? 👉 www.naptrappedpodcast.comRoom sharing with siblings? Resettling overnight without feeding? Tried sleep training but still stuck? This week Sally & Bec tackle yo…
Troubleshooting Nap Transitions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:23
Struggling with nap transitions? Get free bonus resources:www.naptrappedpodcast.comMade the schedule change but your baby is only taking short naps? You're not alone. Sally and Bec break down the real troubleshooting tha…
Bridging Naps for Early Rising & Short Naps: When & How [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:47
Want to subscribe to every ep and enjoy FREE sleep tools? 👉 www.naptrappedpodcast.comWondering if bridging naps are the answer to your baby's early rising or short afternoon naps? Sally & Bec break down exactly when thes…
The Extinction Burst: What To Do When Good Sleep Training Goes Wobbly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:33
Want to subscribe to every ep and enjoy FREE sleep tools? 👉 www.naptrappedpodcast.comNight three of sleep training and suddenly everything's gone pear-shaped? Before you panic or give up, Sally & Bec explain the extincti…
Contact Naps: Sleep Tool or Junk Sleep? Sally & Bec Settle the Debate [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:23
Want to subscribe to every ep and enjoy FREE sleep tools? 👉 www.naptrappedpodcast.comContact naps divide the sleep world—but Sally & Bec are here to settle the debate once and for all. Spoiler: they're team contact nap.I…