What to Do If Your Toddler is Climbing Out of the Crib

Help! Your little escape artist just climbed out of the crib! It must be time for a toddler bed, right? Maybe not! I know it can be alarming to see your toddler climbing out of the crib. But the truth is, most toddlers aren't quite ready for a toddler bed until they’re at least 3 years old. 

Safety is always our top priority, so how do we keep your toddler safely in their crib? Let’s talk about how to stop a toddler from climbing out of the crib and what to do if your toddler does climb out of the crib.

At what age do toddlers start climbing out of their crib? #anchor

Typically, toddlers start climbing out of the crib between 2 and 3 years old. But, every little one develops at their own pace and has their own personality, so this will vary. You may see crib climbing before their first birthday, or your toddler may never attempt to climb out of their crib at all. 

Here are a few practical tips to deter crib climbing now and in the future:

• Lower the crib mattress. As soon as your little one is sitting independently, move the crib mattress to the lowest setting to avoid any accidents. 

• Practice new skills during the day. Working on exciting skills, like standing and climbing, during awake time decreases the motivation to practice during sleepy time. 

• Add a sleep sack. A sleep sack discourages climbing and makes it much harder to swing a leg up over the side of the crib and crawl out.  

Why is my toddler climbing out of the crib? #anchor

Let’s talk about some of the most common reasons that your toddler may be climbing out of the crib: 

• New Physical Skills. Often, when a toddler is climbing out of the crib, it’s because they’re testing out a new skill. Gross motor skills and mobility increase greatly during the toddler years. This could mean they want to test their physical ability to climb out the crib. Practicing new skills during the day makes them less exciting when it’s time for sleep. 

• Desire for independence. Toddlers are natural boundary pushers. If your toddler figures out they can escape the crib, it may feel like a fun opportunity to push boundaries and adventure on their own. A dark room without exciting toys and a “boring” reaction from you will help reduce the temptation to crib climb.

• Separation Anxiety. Your toddler may be standing in the crib or attempting to climb out of the crib in protest to you leaving the room. This could be separation anxiety, and it can make sleep look a bit different. Similar to developmental progression, separation anxiety is a normal part of toddler development and not typically a reason to make any major changes. Creating brief goodbye rituals and sticking to your healthy sleep habits will help.

• Fear of the Dark. If your toddler is afraid of the dark and climbing out of the crib, here’s my advice: show your toddler why and how they’re already safe. Check the closet together. Take a look under the bed together. Show them how safe their room is, including their crib.

• Sleep Schedule. When a toddler’s sleep schedule is off, it can often make sleep more difficult. Here’s why: An overtired toddler gets a surge of stress hormones that can make them fight sleep. On the other hand, a toddler who isn’t tired enough can attempt to climb out of the crib simply because their brain and body aren't ready for sleep. Check to see if wake windows need to be adjusted to help your little one stay in their sweet spot for sleep.

How do I keep my toddler from climbing out of the crib?#anchor

Trying these tips may help keep your child safely in the crib a bit longer:⁣

• Make sure the crib mattress is in the lowest position.

• Consider turning your toddler’s crib around. Some cribs are taller in the “back” and shorter in the “front.” Turning the crib around can make it more difficult for your toddler to climb over the top.

• Push the crib into the corner of the room. This blocks two possible sides of the crib for climbing.

• Move any nearby furniture out of arms’ and legs’ reach from the crib so it cannot be used to help your toddler climb out of the crib.

• Double check the crib for safety. Remove any bumpers, hard toys, or anything that poses a safety risk or could be used for your toddler to stand on and climb out. 

• Put your toddler in a sleep sack during sleep in the crib. This will make it more difficult to lift a leg up and over the side of the crib.

• Use a “two-way talk” baby monitor, and firmly say, “NO” if you see your little one beginning to crawl out of the crib.

• Avoid teaching or allowing your toddler to climb into their crib. Once they are able to do this, they may begin to explore the possibility of climbing out of their crib. 

Are crib tents safe for toddlers?#anchor

Short answer: No. Crib tents are not a safe option for keeping your child in a crib. Using a crib tent over a crib or play yard poses safety risks. The safest option for a toddler who is regularly climbing out of the crib is to transition out of the crib.  

What should I do if my toddler climbs out of the crib?#anchor

I know it can be frustrating (and exhausting) when your toddler is climbing out of the crib. It truly is a normal part of toddler development to explore boundaries – even when you’ve set clear expectations. Having a plan for when those boundaries are pushed is key. It can be as simple as: Any time your toddler climbs out of the crib, you’ll calmly walk them back to bed, tuck them back in, and leave the room. Keep in mind, you’ll want to watch your reaction. If you get overly excited or upset, this tells them that this "new trick" is attention worthy. Stay calm and confident. The more engaged you are, the more exciting this can become for your toddler.

If you need more help with determining a plan that’s best for your family, my Toddler Sleep Training class will help you do just that. I’ll walk you through a customizable, step-by-step plan to look at awake time, sleep time, toddler behavior, and so much more to see restful nights and naps for your little one.