Sleep

Toddler Keeps Falling Out of Bed

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

Content reviewed against published AAP, CPSC, AAP guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Sleep concerns affect nearly every family at some point. When it comes to toddler keeps falling out of bed, here is what the guidelines recommend.

The short answer

Falling out of bed is common when toddlers first transition from a crib and can continue into preschool age. Most falls result in a startled, crying child but no injury. Using bed rails, placing the mattress on the floor, or adding cushioning beside the bed can prevent falls while your child adjusts.

Key takeaways

  • Falling out of bed is common when toddlers first transition from a crib and can continue into preschool age. Most falls result in a startled, crying child but no injury. Using bed rails, placing the mattress on the floor, or adding cushioning beside the bed can prevent falls while your child adjusts.
  • Usually normal when: Your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib
  • Call your doctor if: Your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion 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)

Parents everywhere have the same worry. You are doing the right thing by looking into it.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, CPSC guidelines, falling out of bed is common when toddlers first transition from a crib and can continue into preschool age. Most falls result in a startled, crying child but no injury. Using bed rails, placing the mattress on the floor, or adding cushioning beside the bed can prevent falls while your child adjusts. At 18-24 months, falls are most common at this age because body awareness during sleep is still developing. The safest option is placing the mattress directly on the floor. If using a bed frame, mesh bed rails on both sides provide the most protection. Keep the floor beside the bed clear of hard toys and consider placing a soft rug alongside the bed as extra cushioning. It is generally considered normal when your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness.

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

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib
Your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness
Falls happen during restless nights, illness, or overtired nights
Your child is injured and you are concerned about broken bones or significant bruising
Your child wakes up, cries briefly, and returns to sleep without injury
Your child falls out of bed more than once a week despite using safety measures
Falls decrease over time as your child adjusts to sleeping in a bed
Falls are accompanied by unusual movements, twitching, or behaviors suggesting a sleep disturbance

By Age

What to expect by age

18-24 months

Falls are most common at this age because body awareness during sleep is still developing. The safest option is placing the mattress directly on the floor. If using a bed frame, mesh bed rails on both sides provide the most protection. Keep the floor beside the bed clear of hard toys and consider placing a soft rug alongside the bed as extra cushioning.

2-3 years

Bed falls are still common, especially during active sleep or when children are overtired and sleep more restlessly. Pool noodles placed under the fitted sheet along the bed edges can create a subtle bumper. Continue using bed rails if needed - there is no age at which your child must outgrow them.

3-4 years

Most children have fewer falls by this age as body awareness during sleep improves. If falls are still frequent, ensure your child is not overtired (which causes more restless sleep) and that the bed is not too high. A body pillow along the edge can serve as a gentle barrier.

4-5 years

Occasional falls may happen but should be infrequent. If your child is falling out regularly, consider whether sleep quality could be a factor. Children with sleep-disordered breathing often have more restless sleep and may fall more often. Mention frequent falls to your pediatrician.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed toddler keeps falling out of bed 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 falls out of bed more than once a week despite using safety measures.
  • Mention if falls are accompanied by unusual movements, twitching, or behaviors suggesting a sleep disturbance.
  • 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 falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib
  • Falls happen during restless nights, illness, or overtired nights
  • Your child wakes up, cries briefly, and returns to sleep without injury
  • Falls decrease over time as your child adjusts to sleeping in a bed
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child falls out of bed more than once a week despite using safety measures
  • Falls are accompanied by unusual movements, twitching, or behaviors suggesting a sleep disturbance
  • Your child over 5 regularly falls out of bed
Act now when...
  • Your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness
  • Your child is injured and you are concerned about broken bones or significant bruising

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice toddler keeps falling out of bed — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 18-24 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 and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness.

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.

Baby Is Restless and Tossing All Night

Some degree of restless sleep is normal, especially as babies learn to roll and move. Babies cycle through light and deep sleep, and movement during light sleep phases is common. However, consistently very restless sleep with frequent arousals may be related to discomfort, sleep environment, or rarely, sleep-disordered breathing.

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 toddler keeps falling out of bed normal?
Falling out of bed is common when toddlers first transition from a crib and can continue into preschool age. Most falls result in a startled, crying child but no injury. Using bed rails, placing the mattress on the floor, or adding cushioning beside the bed can prevent falls while your child adjusts.
When should I call the doctor about toddler keeps falling out of bed?
Your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness Your child is injured and you are concerned about broken bones or significant bruising
When is toddler keeps falling out of bed normal?
Your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib Falls happen during restless nights, illness, or overtired nights Your child wakes up, cries briefly, and returns to sleep without injury
What causes toddler keeps falling out of bed?
Falling out of bed is common when toddlers first transition from a crib and can continue into preschool age. Most falls result in a startled, crying child but no injury. Using bed rails, placing the mattress on the floor, or adding cushioning beside the bed can prevent falls while your child adjusts. Common explanations include: Your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib. Falls happen during restless nights, illness, or overtired nights.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler keeps falling out of bed?
You should mention toddler keeps falling out of bed at your next visit if: Your child falls out of bed more than once a week despite using safety measures. Falls are accompanied by unusual movements, twitching, or behaviors suggesting a sleep disturbance. Your child over 5 regularly falls out of bed.
Is toddler keeps falling out of bed normal at 18-24 months?
Falls are most common at this age because body awareness during sleep is still developing. The safest option is placing the mattress directly on the floor. If using a bed frame, mesh bed rails on both sides provide the most protection. Keep the floor beside the bed clear of hard toys and consider placing a soft rug alongside the bed as extra cushioning.
Is toddler keeps falling out of bed normal at 2-3 years?
Bed falls are still common, especially during active sleep or when children are overtired and sleep more restlessly. Pool noodles placed under the fitted sheet along the bed edges can create a subtle bumper. Continue using bed rails if needed - there is no age at which your child must outgrow them.
Should I go to the ER for toddler keeps falling out of bed?
Seek emergency care if your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness, or if your child is injured and you are concerned about broken bones or significant bruising. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does toddler keeps falling out of bed go away on its own?
In many cases, toddler keeps falling out of bed resolves on its own, especially when your toddler falls out of bed occasionally, especially in the first months after leaving the crib. By 4-5 years, occasional falls may happen but should be infrequent. If your child is falling out regularly, consider whether sleep quality could be a factor. Children with sleep-disordered breathing often have more restless sleep and may fall more often. Mention frequent falls to your pediatrician.
AAPCPSCAAP

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Bed Safety. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  2. [2]U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Toddler Bed Safety. CPSC
  3. [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 Toddler Keeps Falling Out of Bed.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed toddler keeps falling out of bed 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 falls out of bed more than once a week despite using safety measures.
  • Mention if falls are accompanied by unusual movements, twitching, or behaviors suggesting a sleep disturbance.
  • 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 falls out of bed more than once a week despite using safety measures
  • Falls are accompanied by unusual movements, twitching, or behaviors suggesting a sleep disturbance
  • Your child over 5 regularly falls out of bed

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion such as vomiting, confusion, or excessive sleepiness
  • Your child is injured and you are concerned about broken bones or significant bruising

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

Related Resources

Sleep Guide by AgeSleep Schedule CalculatorBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of toddler keeps falling out of bed are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child falls and hits their head, showing signs of concussion 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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Related Sleep Concerns

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.

Baby Is Restless and Tossing All Night

Some degree of restless sleep is normal, especially as babies learn to roll and move. Babies cycle through light and deep sleep, and movement during light sleep phases is common. However, consistently very restless sleep with frequent arousals may be related to discomfort, sleep environment, or rarely, sleep-disordered breathing.

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.