What to Do When Your Toddler Starts Climbing Out of the Crib
Honestly, this always happens when you least expect it. You hear a loud thud, and before you know it your toddler is standing at the end of the hallway staring at you with a sneaky smile. It’s shocking, hilarious, and maddening all at the same time! Let’s talk about a few things you can do when this happens.
Do not panic or make any drastic changes. I often see the Parents’ first instinct is usually to switch to a toddler bed right away, but this isn’t always the best solution. In fact, this can often make the situation worse because they now have the freedom to roam with zero effort on their part. Also, if your child is under 3 years old, they don’t understand the whole “stay in bed” thing yet, so it can really escalate the situation. If you can safely keep them in their crib a little longer, it’s totally worth it.
Lower the mattress to the ground. Did you know most cribs have this option? You can lower the mattress all the way to the ground, making it nearly impossible for them to climb over the top. As long as there isn’t a gap between the mattress and the crib where they can get stuck, this is an excellent and safe option.
Use a sleep sack. If you aren’t already using one, this is the number one thing I recommend to prevent toddlers from climbing out of their bed! I recommend this one because it’s actually long enough for a toddler! AND It’s 50% off right now with code THANKYOU50 🎉
Use a crib tent. If your baby’s mattress cannot safely be lowered to the ground, and your baby already wears a sleep sack, a crib tent can be your best friend. They are breathable, have plenty of space for your baby to stand, but will prevent them from climbing out, therefore keeping them safely in their bed. HERE is the one I recommend. If you are unsure about whether or not this is a good fit for you, ask your pediatrician.
Give all of these a try for at least a week or two and see what happens! Chances are, this is just a phase that will pass soon. Stay consistent, hold boundaries, and give it time. If your baby is over age 3, is consistently climbing out despite all your best efforts, and is showing signs of being ready to make the transition to a big bed, it might be time to consider making the move. I’m here to help when you’re ready.