--- title: "Convertible Cot Beds: How They Work and When to Convert | Stokke" description: "What is a convertible cot bed, how does conversion work and when should you move between stages? A practical guide from newborn cot to toddler bed." url: "https://www.stokke.com/GBR/en-gb/landing/convertible-cot-bed-newborn-to-toddler-bed" --- ![A lifestyle shot of a baby in a beige knit sweater and mouse-ear bonnet lying on a natural wooden Stokke Sleepi crib in a soft, neutral nursery, with a plush sheep nearby.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/80c17429-665d-490a-889b-103c1a952185.webp) # Convertible cot beds: how they work and when to convert them A practical guide to what a convertible cot bed is, how conversion works and when to move between stages as your child grows. Quick answer ## A bed designed to grow with your child A convertible cot bed is designed to adapt as a child grows. Depending on the model, it may begin as a compact newborn or Mini cot, extend into a larger cot bed, offer adjustable mattress heights and later open for toddler access. There is no single age for making each change: follow the age, weight and developmental limits for the exact product, together with your child’s stage of development. The basics ## What is a convertible cot bed? A convertible cot bed is one sleep space designed to support more than one stage of early childhood. Instead of replacing the entire bed as a baby grows, the same core frame can be adapted using approved components such as extension pieces, a larger mattress, adjustable mattress-base positions or removable side sections. The exact journey differs between models. Before choosing one, understand every approved configuration, what is included initially, which parts or mattresses may be needed later and the limits that determine when each stage should end. ![A product shot of three natural beech Stokke Nighti bed configurations on a clean white background, showing the transformation from compact to extended bed with a white fitted sheet.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/4e165230-2a97-45ec-95c0-bac3904ce9d7.webp) Cot vs cot bed ## Cot vs cot bed: what is the difference? A cot is primarily a contained sleep space for babies. A cot bed is designed to continue beyond that first setup, usually by extending, lowering or opening the frame. A convertible cot bed can therefore reduce the need to introduce a completely different piece of nursery furniture at every stage. *The terminology is not always used consistently between brands. Before buying, check the stated configurations, dimensions, mattress requirements and age or developmental limits rather than relying on the product name alone.* ![A lifestyle shot of a baby lying on a natural wood Stokke Nighti crib with a pink cherry-print fitted sheet, warm sunlight streaming through the window.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/0bbb5910-af95-40a9-b8b9-6e954095f3cf.webp) How it works ## How does a convertible cot work? The conversion process varies by model. Some cot beds extend into a larger frame, while others use adjustable mattress-base positions, removable side sections or additional conversion components. The assembly guide for the exact model and product generation is always the source of truth. At a glance ## The convertible cot bed journey at a glance | Stage | What changes | What may be needed | Readiness and safety check | | ----------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | Newborn or Mini setup | A compact first-stage configuration provides the starting sleep space. | The matching mattress and approved fitted bedding. | Follow all stated age, weight and developmental limits. | | Larger cot bed | The frame extends or changes to provide more room. | Model-specific extension parts and a larger compatible mattress. | Confirm every component matches the exact model and version. | | Lower mattress position | The mattress base moves down as mobility develops. | Usually the existing mattress, unless the instructions state otherwise. | Lower the base at the stage specified in the manual, before climbing becomes possible. | | Toddler access | An approved side or section is removed so the child can get in and out. | Any support pieces, legs or guards specified for the open configuration. | Follow the manual and childproof the room because the accessible sleep area is now larger. | ### Newborn or Mini setup What changes A compact first-stage configuration provides the starting sleep space. What may be needed The matching mattress and approved fitted bedding. Readiness and safety check Follow all stated age, weight and developmental limits. ### Larger cot bed What changes The frame extends or changes to provide more room. What may be needed Model-specific extension parts and a larger compatible mattress. Readiness and safety check Confirm every component matches the exact model and version. ### Lower mattress position What changes The mattress base moves down as mobility develops. What may be needed Usually the existing mattress, unless the instructions state otherwise. Readiness and safety check Lower the base at the stage specified in the manual, before climbing becomes possible. ### Toddler access What changes An approved side or section is removed so the child can get in and out. What may be needed Any support pieces, legs or guards specified for the open configuration. Readiness and safety check Follow the manual and childproof the room because the accessible sleep area is now larger. Step by step ## How to convert a cot bed safely The exact conversion process varies by model, so the assembly guide supplied with the product is the source of truth. At a practical level, the journey usually follows these steps: **Before converting your cot bed** * Identify the current configuration and the next approved stage in the product manual. * Gather the matching extension parts, mattress, fasteners and support pieces before disassembly. * Remove bedding and the mattress, then convert the frame exactly as shown in the instructions. * Fit the mattress made for the new configuration and confirm that there are no unintended gaps. * Check every connection, support and lock before use; re-check after the first few nights. ![A lifestyle shot of a woman breastfeeding a newborn beside a toddler standing in a round natural wood Stokke Sleepi crib in a bright, airy nursery.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/a30a3ca7-0904-4fb2-a138-7b33f04dc69c.webp) Timing ## When should each transition happen? There is no single age that applies to every convertible cot bed or every child. The right moment is guided by two things: the limits in the product instructions and the child's development. Where either indicates that the current setup is no longer suitable, move to the next approved configuration. Stage one ## From Mini to the larger cot bed Move on when the age, weight or developmental limit for the compact configuration is reached, or earlier if the instructions require it. Sitting, kneeling, pulling up or needing more room may become relevant, but the product manual provides the definitive limits for the exact model. ![A lifestyle shot of a baby in a navy and cream striped sleepsuit lying in a natural wood Stokke Sleepi Mini crib in soft, warm natural light.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/106be586-ba92-4cf2-8af2-519eebbb5639.webp) Stage two ## When should you lower the cot mattress? **Quick answer:** Lower the mattress at the developmental stage specified in the product instructions, as your baby becomes more mobile and before climbing becomes possible. A lower position keeps the cot sides appropriately high as sitting, kneeling and standing skills develop. Do not wait for an attempted climb if the instructions require the base to be lowered sooner. ![A lifestyle shot of a toddler in a beige outfit standing inside a hazy grey Stokke Sleepi oval crib against a raw concrete wall, soft natural light.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/12b1cda9-310a-4551-bc18-06258b29e805.webp) Stage three ## When should you convert a cot bed into a toddler bed? There is no single transition age that suits every child. The change becomes more relevant when a child is attempting to climb out, has reached the cot's stated limit, or is ready to get in and out independently. The room now becomes part of the sleep space, so secure furniture, manage cords and blind chains, cover hazards and consider access to stairs before opening the bed. ![A lifestyle shot of a woman sitting on a rug reading a picture book to a toddler sitting in a natural wood Stokke Sleepi bed in a bright, airy nursery.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/b0241185-6e1b-49be-834e-b7ddce84beb3.webp) Stokke® solutions ## Convertible cot-bed solutions from Stokke® Once you understand the complete conversion journey and the parts each stage requires, you can compare individual solutions. Stokke® offers two convertible cot-bed ranges designed to support changing sleep needs through early childhood: Nighti™ and Sleepi™. Both provide a compact Mini starting point, a larger cot-bed configuration and a later open stage for toddler access. Their forms and adjustment options differ, so the right choice depends on the room, preferred design and the exact stage-by-stage bundle that suits your family. Whichever range you choose, follow the instructions for the exact product generation and let the stated limits and your child's development guide every transition. ![A lifestyle shot of a toddler with curly hair in a rust-colored outfit sitting in a natural wood Stokke Sleepi bed holding a plush teddy bear, in a warm sunlit nursery.](https://assets.pages.superpilot.net/indexed-images/c28171e3-1c1e-4db1-bf1c-e6c86360188b/1752461b-275f-43b9-8dd9-02e6304b2d28.webp) Side by side ## Stokke® Nighti™ and Sleepi™ at a glance | Feature | Nighti™ | Sleepi™ | | ---------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- | | Form | Soft rectangular edges, slim space-efficient frame | Iconic oval design with a soft, nest-like feel | | Starting point | Nighti™ Mini Newborn Cot, from birth to around 6 months | Sleepi™ Mini, from birth | | Larger cot bed | Add the Extension Kit and larger mattress, or choose the full-size Convertible Cot Bed from day one | Add the Bed Extension Kit and larger mattress | | Mattress heights | 2 levels | 4 levels | | Toddler stage | Remove side sections at the lowest level, up to around 5 years | Remove a side, up to around 5 years | | Dimensions (w x l x h) | Mini: 65 x 85 x 78 cm; Bed: 65 x 125 x 78 cm | Mini: 64 x 82 x 85 cm; Bed: 74 x 141 x 85 cm | ### Form Nighti™ Soft rectangular edges, slim space-efficient frame Sleepi™ Iconic oval design with a soft, nest-like feel ### Starting point Nighti™ Nighti™ Mini Newborn Cot, from birth to around 6 months Sleepi™ Sleepi™ Mini, from birth ### Larger cot bed Nighti™ Add the Extension Kit and larger mattress, or choose the full-size Convertible Cot Bed from day one Sleepi™ Add the Bed Extension Kit and larger mattress ### Mattress heights Nighti™ 2 levels Sleepi™ 4 levels ### Toddler stage Nighti™ Remove side sections at the lowest level, up to around 5 years Sleepi™ Remove a side, up to around 5 years ### Dimensions (w x l x h) Nighti™ Mini: 65 x 85 x 78 cm; Bed: 65 x 125 x 78 cm Sleepi™ Mini: 64 x 82 x 85 cm; Bed: 74 x 141 x 85 cm FAQs ## FAQs about convertible cot beds What is a convertible cot bed?+ A convertible cot bed is a sleep space that can be adapted into two or more approved configurations as a child grows. What is the difference between a cot and a cot bed?+ A cot is intended primarily for the baby stage. A cot bed is designed to continue into a later stage, usually by extending or opening the frame. When should I move from a cot to a cot bed?+ **Quick answer:** Move to the next approved configuration when your child reaches any age, weight or developmental limit specified for the Mini setup. Follow the product instructions rather than relying on age alone. Sitting, kneeling, pulling up or needing more room may become relevant, but the product manual provides the definitive limits for the exact model. Move earlier if the instructions require it. When should I convert a cot bed to a toddler bed?+ There is no universal age. Follow the product instructions and consider the stated limits, climbing and readiness for independent access. Prepare the room for the child being able to leave the bed independently. Do I need a new mattress when I extend a cot bed?+ Many extended configurations require a larger, model-specific mattress. Check the parts list and bundle contents before buying. Can conversion parts from different cot beds be mixed?+ No. Use only the parts, mattresses and fittings approved for the exact model and version.