Sleep

Toddler Climbing Out of Crib

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

Content reviewed against published AAP, CPSC guidelines

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

The short answer

Key takeaways

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.
Usually normal when: Your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting
Call your doctor if: Your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness
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)

Thousands of parents search for this exact thing. You are not alone.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, CPSC guidelines, 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. At 12-18 months, crib climbing at this age is less common but possible in very active, physically advanced babies. Make sure the crib mattress is at the lowest setting and remove any bumpers, pillows, or stuffed animals that could be used as a step. A sleep sack can also limit climbing ability at this age since it restricts leg movement. It is generally considered normal when your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness.

Sources: [1], [2]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal

Worth Discussing

Your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting

Your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness

Climbing attempts start during a developmental leap when your child is mastering new physical skills

Your child has a visible injury like swelling, bruising, or inability to move a limb after a fall

Your child adjusts to a toddler bed within 1-2 weeks with consistent boundaries

Your toddler has fallen from the crib and you are concerned about injury even if they seem fine

Occasional out-of-bed wandering in the first weeks after the transition

You are struggling with the transition to a toddler bed and your child is getting very little sleep as a result

By Age

What to expect by age

12-18 months

Crib climbing at this age is less common but possible in very active, physically advanced babies. Make sure the crib mattress is at the lowest setting and remove any bumpers, pillows, or stuffed animals that could be used as a step. A sleep sack can also limit climbing ability at this age since it restricts leg movement.

18-24 months

This is when many toddlers first attempt to climb out. Their growing leg strength and problem-solving skills make it an appealing challenge. Try turning the crib around if one side is higher, use a wearable blanket to limit leg lift, and keep the room safe in case they succeed. If climbing persists, it may be time to transition.

2-3 years

By 2-3 years, most persistent climbers need to move to a toddler bed or a mattress on the floor. This is normal and appropriate. Use a toddler rail for the first few weeks, childproof the entire room thoroughly, and use a doorknob cover or baby gate at the bedroom door to keep your child safely in their room at night.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

Describe when you first noticed toddler climbing out of 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 toddler has fallen from the crib and you are concerned about injury even if they seem fine.
Mention if you are struggling with the transition to a toddler bed and your child is getting very little sleep as a result.
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 tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting
Climbing attempts start during a developmental leap when your child is mastering new physical skills
Your child adjusts to a toddler bed within 1-2 weeks with consistent boundaries
Occasional out-of-bed wandering in the first weeks after the transition

Mention at your next visit when...

Your toddler has fallen from the crib and you are concerned about injury even if they seem fine
You are struggling with the transition to a toddler bed and your child is getting very little sleep as a result

Act now when...

Your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness
Your child has a visible injury like swelling, bruising, or inability to move a limb after a fall

What You Can Do at Home

Keep track of when you notice toddler climbing out of crib — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
Remember that your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting — 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 from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness.

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 climbing out of crib normal?

When should I call the doctor about toddler climbing out of crib?

Your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness Your child has a visible injury like swelling, bruising, or inability to move a limb after a fall

When is toddler climbing out of crib normal?

Your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting Climbing attempts start during a developmental leap when your child is mastering new physical skills Your child adjusts to a toddler bed within 1-2 weeks with consistent boundaries

What causes 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. Common explanations include: Your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting. Climbing attempts start during a developmental leap when your child is mastering new physical skills.

What should I mention to my pediatrician about toddler climbing out of crib?

You should mention toddler climbing out of crib at your next visit if: Your toddler has fallen from the crib and you are concerned about injury even if they seem fine. You are struggling with the transition to a toddler bed and your child is getting very little sleep as a result.

Is toddler climbing out of crib normal at 12-18 months?

Is toddler climbing out of crib normal at 18-24 months?

Should I go to the ER for toddler climbing out of crib?

Seek emergency care if your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness, or if your child has a visible injury like swelling, bruising, or inability to move a limb after a fall. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.

Does toddler climbing out of crib go away on its own?

In many cases, toddler climbing out of crib resolves on its own, especially when your toddler tries to climb out once or twice and is deterred by a lower mattress setting. By 2-3 years, by 2-3 years, most persistent climbers need to move to a toddler bed or a mattress on the floor. This is normal and appropriate. Use a toddler rail for the first few weeks, childproof the entire room thoroughly, and use a doorknob cover or baby gate at the bedroom door to keep your child safely in their room at night.

AAP CPSC

References

[1]American Academy of Pediatrics. Make Baby's Room Safe. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
[2]U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Safe Sleep - Cribs and Infant Products. CPSC

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Toddler Climbing Out of Crib.

Things to mention

Describe when you first noticed toddler climbing out of 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 toddler has fallen from the crib and you are concerned about injury even if they seem fine.
Mention if you are struggling with the transition to a toddler bed and your child is getting very little sleep as a result.
Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

Your toddler has fallen from the crib and you are concerned about injury even if they seem fine
You are struggling with the transition to a toddler bed and your child is getting very little sleep as a result

Urgent signs to report immediately

Your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness
Your child has a visible injury like swelling, bruising, or inability to move a limb after a fall

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 toddler climbing out of crib are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child falls from the crib and shows signs of a head injury such as vomiting, excessive sleepiness, unequal pupils, or loss of consciousness.

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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