How to Stop Your Child from Climbing Out of Their Crib
By McKenna Linford, Senior Sleep Consultant
Transitioning from a crib to a toddler bed is a big change. Toddlers often struggle with the instruction of staying in their bed and going to sleep. A room at their fingertips can be too tempting not to get out and play! Who wouldn’t want to keep playing after bedtime at two years old?! For this reason, we recommend waiting as long as possible to transition to a toddler bed.
Keep the crib, please!
We recommend waiting until three years old (or as close to three as possible) before tackling this big change. We promise it is worth the wait. At three years old, kids are able to comprehend instructions and rules, such as staying in bed or waiting until a clock turns green before coming out of their room.
That being said, what do you do when — all of a sudden — your two year old, 14 month old, or even 12 month old, starts climbing out of their crib?? They are definitely not ready for a toddler bed!!
Parents tend to panic, as this can be a stressful time. I get it! Bedtime becomes a hassle and naps are dreaded. Many parents decide to simply get rid of the crib and set up a toddler bed. I don’t blame them — crib climbing is scary and extremely stressful. BUT! Before doing so, there are a few things you can try that may buy you more time in the crib.
Strategies to Prevent Children From Climbing Out of Their Crib
Before jumping into a toddler bed, try these strategies for preventing your child from climbing out of their crib. They may just save your sleep and your sanity!
Put Your Baby in a Sleep Sack
If you are not doing so already, using a sleep sack is the first step. This makes it harder for your child to get a leg up and over the crib due to the fabric restricting their legs. If you start to see them trying to get their legs up, go ahead and buy that sleep sack! The earlier the better. We love sleep sacks at Kelly Murray Sleep! When you are transitioning out of a swaddle, move to a sleep sack!
2. Try Turning the Crib Around
If your little climber outsmarts the sleep sack, it’s time to turn the crib around so that the high side is in the front. Many cribs are low in the front so that it is easier to pick up your child and higher in the back towards the wall. By simply turning it around, your baby may not be able to get out as easily.
3. Move to a Pack-N-Play
If turning the crib around doesn’t work for your little acrobat (or perhaps it doesn't apply to your situation), try moving your baby into a pack-n-play, just as you would if you were traveling. Pack-n-plays are mesh and soft on the sides, making it a lot more difficult for your baby to get the leverage needed to climb up. The top of a pack-n-play is also not as thick, also making it more challenging to scale.
4. Move the Mattress to the Floor
If your crib mattress is already on the lowest setting, try putting it on the floor. This should give you a few more inches of height and it could be just the solution you need. Sometimes this works well, other times it leaves a gap between the crib and mattress and is, therefore, not safe. Talk to your doctor about this option and make the best decision for your family. Every crib and situation is different.
5. Remove Nearby Furniture
Make sure there is nothing in the crib or around the it that can help your child get over the edge. Move all furniture, such as nightstands or dressers, that are next to the crib away from it. You may even need to move the crib away from the wall to ensure your child cannot use the wall to work their way up. Double-check that there are no toys or other objects in the crib that your child can use to stand on (making it easier to climb out!)
If you try these steps and are still striking out on keeping your little escape artist in the crib, let us help you with this transition! Starting at 2.5 years old, we have a fantastic toddler program that will set you up for success for years to come!
All team members have completed training with Kelly and have learned the Murray Method. Kelly continues to support, guide and oversee the Sleep Squad as they work with the families who trust in us. This way, all clients are able to experience the same amazing results (and lots and lots of sleep).
Sweet Dreams…
Kelly Murray is a certified sleep coach and an award-winning pediatric sleep consultant based in Chicago offering sleep coaching services nationwide.
