Toddler Climbing Out of the Crib? How to Keep Them Safe

Key Takeaways:

• Curious, active toddlers often attempt escaping the crib, but until age 3, they typically aren’t developmentally ready for an open bed.
• Taking extra precautions in your child’s sleep space can prevent climbing out of the crib and help keep them safe.
• Hatch Baby can support better sleep with calming routines and expert sleep support.

It’s totally normal for growing toddlers to attempt climbing out of their crib — but this newfound independence can also lead to sleep frustrations and safety concerns. While your first instinct may be to move your little climber into an open bed, making that transition too early can introduce a whole new set of sleep challenges.

Most toddlers aren’t developmentally ready for an open bed, which is why we recommend they stay in a crib until age 3. Safety, of course, always takes priority — which is why it’s so important, if you have a crib climber, to take extra steps and precautions in your child’s sleep space. Here’s what to know and where to start.

Table of Contents

1. Why Do Toddlers Climb Out of Cribs?
2. How to Stop a Toddler From Climbing Out of the Crib
3. FAQs
4. References

Why Do Toddlers Climb Out of Cribs?

Toddlers climb out of their cribs for a pretty simple reason: They’re growing! As their strength, coordination, and gross motor skills develop, they may suddenly discover they can pull themselves up, lift a leg over the crib rail, and attempt an escape. Toddlers are also naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings, so a crib rail can quickly become another obstacle they’re determined to conquer.

Crib climbing can also happen as toddlers become more independent and start testing boundaries. Your child may climb because they want to find you, grab a favorite toy, or simply see what happens when they get out of bed. While this behavior can be a normal part of toddler development, climbing out of a crib can lead to falls and injuries, so it’s important to address crib climbing as soon as it starts.

How to Stop a Toddler From Climbing Out of the Crib

Toddler keep climbing out of the crib? Here are a few ways to keep them safe in bed.

Lower the Crib Mattress

If you haven’t already done so, lower your child’s crib mattress to the lowest possible setting. A lower mattress increases the distance between the mattress and the top of the crib rail, making it more difficult for your toddler to lift a leg over the side and climb out. Check your crib manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the mattress is positioned correctly and securely.

Remove Tempting Distractions

Take out any toys, blankets, stuffed animals, or other items your child may be trying to climb out to reach. Keeping the surrounding area as boring as possible can help reduce the motivation to climb, ensuring your child stays safe throughout the night. Pay attention to what’s within view or reach of the crib, too. A favorite toy on a nearby shelf or an interesting object across the room may be enough to inspire an escape attempt, so consider moving especially tempting items out of sight at bedtime.

Make the Crib Harder to Climb Out Of

If your crib has a taller back panel and a lower front panel, you may be able to flip it around so the taller panel faces the front. This can make it more difficult for your child to climb out. If you do this, make sure the crib is assembled according to the manufacturer’s instructions and that it remains safe and stable.

Sleepwear can also play a big role in your child’s ability to escape the crib. Little Grounders Pajamas, for example, makes a zippered onesie with fabric connecting the legs — leaving enough room to walk and play, but making it hard for toddlers to throw their legs over the crib rail.

Consider an Alternative Sleep Space

A toddler-sized Pack ’n Play can be a great alternative if your child is consistently climbing out of their crib. If you go this route, position it in the corner of the room to limit access to the sides and make climbing more difficult. Some families also use a SlumberPod, a blackout sleep tent that's compatible with many toddler Pack ’n Plays. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s age, weight, and safety guidelines.

Make the Bedroom Safe for an Escape

Even with precautions in place, it’s important to prepare for the possibility that your toddler could climb out of their crib. Childproof the bedroom by anchoring dressers and other furniture to the wall, securing windows, keeping cords and other hazards out of reach, and removing anything your child could climb on or knock over.

Think beyond the bedroom, too. If your toddler can open the door independently, make sure they can’t wander into unsafe areas or access stairs during the night. Creating a safe environment can help reduce the risk of injury if your little escape artist manages to get out of the crib.

Create soothing routines and get expert sleep support with Hatch Baby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to keep a toddler in a crib if they can climb out?

Once a toddler can successfully climb out of their crib, there’s a risk of falling and getting injured. Check the crib manufacturer’s height and developmental limits and talk with your pediatrician about whether it’s time to transition to another safe sleep space.

Does climbing out of the crib mean my toddler is ready for a toddler bed?

Not necessarily from a developmental standpoint, but safety takes priority. We recommend keeping toddlers in a crib until age 3, but if yours can repeatedly climb out despite appropriate safety measures, it may be time to consider transitioning out of the crib or taking extra safety measures.

How can I childproof a bedroom for a crib-climbing toddler?

Anchor furniture to the wall, secure windows, keep cords and other hazards out of reach, cover electrical outlets, and remove objects your toddler could climb on or knock over. Consider what your child could access outside the bedroom if they manage to open the door, too.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). Big kid beds: When to make the switch. HealthyChildren.org.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sleep/Pages/Big-Kid-Beds-When-To-Make-the-Switch.aspx?
2. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2022). How to choose a safe crib. HealthyChildren.org.https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/decisions-to-make/Pages/Choosing-a-Crib.aspx