Baby Trying to Climb Out of the Crib
The short answer
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 Should You Do?
When to take action
- 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
- 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
- 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
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
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Related Sleep Concerns
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.
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.