Sleep

Baby Trying to Climb Out of the Crib

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, CPSC, AAP guidelines

Last reviewed: June 2026

Sleep concerns affect nearly every family at some point. When it comes to baby trying to climb out of the crib, here is what the guidelines recommend.

The short answer

Key takeaways

Climbing out of the crib is a safety concern that typically begins between 18-36 months. Once your child can get a leg over the top rail even with the mattress at its lowest setting, it is time to transition to a toddler bed. Until then, lower the mattress, remove objects that provide a step-up, and consider a sleep sack to limit leg movement.
Usually normal when: Your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib
Call your doctor if: Your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness
Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below

“To reduce the risk of sleep-related infant deaths, the AAP recommends that infants sleep on their backs, on a firm, flat surface, without any soft bedding.”

— Safe Sleep Recommendations, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, CPSC guidelines, climbing out of the crib is a safety concern that typically begins between 18-36 months. Once your child can get a leg over the top rail even with the mattress at its lowest setting, it is time to transition to a toddler bed. Until then, lower the mattress, remove objects that provide a step-up, and consider a sleep sack to limit leg movement. At 12-18 months, crib climbing at this age is uncommon but can happen with especially active or tall babies. Immediately lower the mattress to the lowest position. Remove bumpers, stuffed animals, or anything that could serve as a step. A wearable blanket can help limit the leg lift needed to climb. At this age, keep your baby in the crib if possible since they are not yet developmentally ready for the freedom of a toddler bed. It is generally considered normal when your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal

Worth Discussing

Your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib

Your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness

Climbing attempts coincide with increased motor skills and desire for independence

Your child can climb out and the room is not childproofed, creating fall or entrapment risks

Your child attempts to climb but has not successfully gotten over the rail yet

Your child has fallen or nearly fallen out of the crib and you need guidance on safe transition timing

By Age

What to expect by age

12-18 months

Crib climbing at this age is uncommon but can happen with especially active or tall babies. Immediately lower the mattress to the lowest position. Remove bumpers, stuffed animals, or anything that could serve as a step. A wearable blanket can help limit the leg lift needed to climb. At this age, keep your baby in the crib if possible since they are not yet developmentally ready for the freedom of a toddler bed.

18-24 months

This is when climbing attempts become more common. If your child can swing a leg over the rail even with the mattress at its lowest, transitioning to a toddler bed is safer than risking a fall. Some parents try turning the crib so the lower rail faces the wall, but this is a temporary solution. When you transition, place the mattress on the floor initially and childproof the entire room.

2-3 years

Most children transition out of the crib between 2-3 years. If your child has not attempted climbing, there is no rush to switch. Children generally do better in a toddler bed when they are closer to 3, as they have better impulse control. If climbing forces an early transition, expect some adjustment with your child getting out of bed repeatedly. Consistent, calm returns to bed are the most effective response.

3+ years

If your child is still in a crib at age 3 and comfortable, that is perfectly fine. Most children transition to a bed by this age. If climbing continues in a toddler bed (climbing on furniture, attempting windows), ensure the room is fully childproofed with anchored furniture and window locks.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

Describe when you first noticed baby trying to climb out of the crib and how it has changed over time.
Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
Mention if your child has fallen or nearly fallen out of the crib and you need guidance on safe transition timing.
Mention if your child under 18 months is climbing out and you are unsure about transitioning to a bed so young.
Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...

Your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib
Climbing attempts coincide with increased motor skills and desire for independence
Your child attempts to climb but has not successfully gotten over the rail yet

Mention at your next visit when...

Your child has fallen or nearly fallen out of the crib and you need guidance on safe transition timing
Your child under 18 months is climbing out and you are unsure about transitioning to a bed so young
After transitioning, your child gets out of bed excessively causing significant sleep disruption

Act now when...

Your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness
Your child can climb out and the room is not childproofed, creating fall or entrapment risks

What You Can Do at Home

Keep track of when you notice baby trying to climb out of the crib — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
Remember that your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib — this is generally within the range of normal.
At 12-18 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine. Keep the sleep environment cool, dark, and quiet.
While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness.

Toddler Climbing Out of Crib

Once your toddler can climb out of the crib, it is a safety concern that needs addressing promptly. Most children start attempting this between 18-36 months. Lowering the mattress to the lowest setting is the first step, but if climbing continues, transitioning to a toddler bed or floor mattress is the safest option.

When and How to Switch to a Toddler Bed

Most children transition from a crib to a toddler bed between ages 2 and 3.5. The main reasons to switch are safety (climbing out of the crib) or practical need (a new baby needs the crib). If your child is sleeping well and not climbing out, there is no rush. Children who transition closer to age 3 often adjust more easily due to better impulse control.

Guide

Baby Sleep Guide

Age-by-age sleep needs, schedules, and evidence-based sleep strategies.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.

Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is baby trying to climb out of the crib normal?

When should I call the doctor about baby trying to climb out of the crib?

Your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness Your child can climb out and the room is not childproofed, creating fall or entrapment risks

When is baby trying to climb out of the crib normal?

Your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib Climbing attempts coincide with increased motor skills and desire for independence Your child attempts to climb but has not successfully gotten over the rail yet

What causes baby trying to climb out of the crib?

Climbing out of the crib is a safety concern that typically begins between 18-36 months. Once your child can get a leg over the top rail even with the mattress at its lowest setting, it is time to transition to a toddler bed. Until then, lower the mattress, remove objects that provide a step-up, and consider a sleep sack to limit leg movement. Common explanations include: Your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib. Climbing attempts coincide with increased motor skills and desire for independence.

What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby trying to climb out of the crib?

You should mention baby trying to climb out of the crib at your next visit if: Your child has fallen or nearly fallen out of the crib and you need guidance on safe transition timing. Your child under 18 months is climbing out and you are unsure about transitioning to a bed so young. After transitioning, your child gets out of bed excessively causing significant sleep disruption.

Is baby trying to climb out of the crib normal at 12-18 months?

Is baby trying to climb out of the crib normal at 18-24 months?

Should I go to the ER for baby trying to climb out of the crib?

Seek emergency care if your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness, or if your child can climb out and the room is not childproofed, creating fall or entrapment risks. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.

Does baby trying to climb out of the crib go away on its own?

In many cases, baby trying to climb out of the crib resolves on its own, especially when your toddler between 18 months and 3 years shows interest in climbing out of the crib. By 3+ years, if your child is still in a crib at age 3 and comfortable, that is perfectly fine. Most children transition to a bed by this age. If climbing continues in a toddler bed (climbing on furniture, attempting windows), ensure the room is fully childproofed with anchored furniture and window locks.

AAP CPSC AAP

References

[1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Make Baby's Room Safe. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
[2]U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Crib Safety Tips. CPSC
[3]American Academy of Pediatrics. Transitioning to a Toddler Bed. HealthyChildren.org. AAP

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Trying to Climb Out of the Crib.

Things to mention

Describe when you first noticed baby trying to climb out of the crib and how it has changed over time.
Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
Mention if your child has fallen or nearly fallen out of the crib and you need guidance on safe transition timing.
Mention if your child under 18 months is climbing out and you are unsure about transitioning to a bed so young.
Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

Your child has fallen or nearly fallen out of the crib and you need guidance on safe transition timing
Your child under 18 months is climbing out and you are unsure about transitioning to a bed so young
After transitioning, your child gets out of bed excessively causing significant sleep disruption

Urgent signs to report immediately

Your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness
Your child can climb out and the room is not childproofed, creating fall or entrapment risks

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Sleep Guide by Age Sleep Schedule Calculator Baby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of baby trying to climb out of the crib are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child falls out of the crib and hits their head or shows signs of injury such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Toddler Climbing Out of Crib

When and How to Switch to a Toddler Bed

How Long Should Baby Be Awake Between Naps?

The ideal awake time between naps (called a "wake window") increases as your baby grows. Newborns may only handle 45-90 minutes awake, while toddlers can manage 4-6 hours. Getting wake windows right is one of the most effective ways to improve nap quality, because both too-short and too-long wake times lead to poor sleep.

Is a Bath Before Bed Really Necessary?

A nightly bath is not medically necessary and some babies with sensitive skin do better with less frequent bathing. However, a warm bath can be a powerful sleep cue because the subsequent body temperature drop triggers melatonin production. If you include a bath, keep it calm and warm rather than stimulating.

How Long Should the Bedtime Routine Be?

An ideal bedtime routine for babies and toddlers is 20-30 minutes. Shorter routines may not give enough time to wind down, while routines longer than 45 minutes can become a stalling tactic. Consistency in the routine order matters more than exact length.

Is My Baby's Bedtime Too Early?

For most babies over 3 months, bedtime between 6:00-8:00 PM is appropriate. A bedtime that is too early can cause early morning wakings (before 6 AM) or long periods of wakefulness in the middle of the night. However, during nap transitions or on days when naps were short, an earlier-than-usual bedtime helps prevent overtiredness.