As toddlers grow, they often get more adventurous—and this includes trying to escape from their crib! If your little one has started climbing out of their crib, it can be both a safety concern and a source of frustration. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can try to keep them safe and prevent any more escapes. In this blog, we’ll go over six expert tips to keep your toddler in their crib and ensure they sleep soundly through the night.

1. Lower the Mattress to the Floor

One of the easiest and most effective ways to stop your toddler from climbing out of their crib is to lower the mattress to the floor. By lowering the mattress, you reduce the height your child has to climb to reach the top of the crib, making it more difficult for them to escape.

2. Use a Sleep Sack

A sleep sack is a great solution to limit your toddler's mobility while they sleep. These wearable blankets keep your child warm and cozy while restricting their movement. The added restriction makes it much more difficult for your toddler to lift their legs high enough to climb out of the crib. While not a perfect solution, a sleep sack can reduce the likelihood of an escape attempt.

3. Turn the Crib Around

This one is quick and easy, as long as your crib has taller back and a shorter front. Try turning the crib around so that the higher side is at the front with the shorter side against the wall.This makes it harder for your toddler to use the lower side to boost themselves over. By reversing the orientation of the crib, you add another barrier that could prevent your little escape artist from making their way out.

Check out this reel on Instagram for a visual as to how these first three tips keep a little one safely in their crib.

4. Keep the Room Simple and Clear of Distractions

If your toddler’s room is filled with toys and other fun distractions, they might be more likely to climb out of the crib in search of playtime. To avoid this, keep the room simple. Remove toys, books, and other items that might draw their attention once they’re in their crib. A clutter-free room can make the idea of sleeping in the crib more appealing.

5. Remove Anything Nearby That They Can Climb On

A nearby changing table, chair or even windowsill can be quite inviting for an adventurous little one. Consider changing their room configuration a bit to be sure that there is nothing nearby that they can crawl onto or use for their crib escape attempts.

6. Reinforce a Physical Boundary

Sometimes, a physical boundary can help reinforce the idea that the crib or bed is for sleeping. Consider using a child-proof gate at the door of their room to keep your toddler in their crib. If they see that getting out of the crib doesn't actually get them out of the room, they are often less likely to try to climb out. This tip is a way to prevent the desire to climb out.

When to Transition to a Big Kid Bed

If your toddler continues to climb out of the crib despite your best efforts, it may be time to transition them to a big kid bed. However, make sure to create a crib-like environment in the room to maintain a sense of security. You can start by removing any distractions and extra items from the room. By keeping only the bed in their room, your toddler will have a clear understanding of where they should stay. This also helps to keep them safe in their room. Again, a physical boundary such as a baby gate or a bedrail can help them to visually see that they are meant to stay in their bed. Our budget-friendly guide can be a great resource for making the transition from the crib to a bed.

Creating a Safe Sleeping Environment for Your Toddler

When it comes to crib climbing, or transition to a big kid bed, the most important thing is to be sure you are doing all you can to keep your toddler safe. Toddlers are naturally curious creatures, and once they learn how to climb out of their crib, it can be challenging to keep them safely inside. By lowering the mattress, using a sleep sack, turning the crib around, removing any temptations in the room and reinforcing physical boundaries, you can minimize the risk of your toddler crib climbing. And if all else fails, transitioning to a big kid bed, while maintaining a crib-like room, may be the best next step.