Crib Climbing: Why It Occurs & How To Respond

alexaforesta21
Jun 12
3 min read

Many parents fear this moment: you enter your toddler's room during nap time, only to find them standing confidently in the middle of the floor instead of being in their crib. Although this milestone highlights your child's new abilities, it can significantly disrupt your family's sleep routine.

Let’s break down why toddlers start climbing out of the crib, and most importantly, what you can do to keep them safe and sleeping well.

Why Is My Toddler Climbing Out of the Crib?

Climbing out of the crib is a completely normal part of toddler development. It usually happens at 15 months and older and can be driven by a few factors:

Curiosity & Independence: Toddlers are explorers. They’re becoming more aware of their surroundings and want to see what happens if they “break the rules.”
Developmental Growth: As gross motor skills improve, climbing becomes easier and more tempting.
Overtiredness or Poor Sleep Habits: If your child is overtired or skipping naps, they might be more impulsive at bedtime.
Testing Limits: Toddlers love to test boundaries. Climbing out can be another way of seeing how you’ll respond.

What to Do When Your Child Starts Escaping the Crib

Before rushing to transition to a toddler bed (which can often lead to even more sleep disruption), try these steps first:

1. Lower the Crib Mattress

If it’s not already at the lowest setting, drop it down. This simple step can buy you more time in the crib. Some cribs can even be lowered to ground level which can be very helpful in the instance.

2. Remove Climbing Aids

Take out any stuffed animals, bumpers, or pillows that could act like a step stool (It is recommended to refrain from introducing a stuffed animal or blanket until 1yr old and a pillow around 2 yrs old).

3. Use a Sleep Sack

A well-fitted sleep sack (not too stretchy) can prevent toddlers from spreading their legs wide enough to lift themselves out. This serves as a safe "blanket-like" option that allows enough wiggle room while laying down but will reduce mobility in climbing attempts by making it harder to swing a leg up and over the crib.

4. Evaluate Sleep Schedules

Ensure your child is getting enough daytime sleep and going to bed before they become overtired. An overtired child is more likely to fight sleep — and try to escape. On the other end of the sleep spectrum, it is equally important to make sure your child is not undertired for bed (too much day sleep),leading to boredom/boundary testing such as crib climbing. Always ensure sleep both during the day and night are in line with age appropriate targets.

5. Stay Calm and Consistent

If your child climbs out, calmly return them to the crib with minimal interaction. Avoid turning it into a game or power struggle. The more of a reaction we provide to a behavior we do not like, the more likely it is to be repeated.

When It’s Time to Move to a Toddler Bed

If your child is consistently escaping despite all efforts, and especially if it’s becoming a safety issue, it may be time to transition. But only if they’re developmentally ready.

Look for signs like:

Your child is over 2.5 years old. The goal is to stay in the crib until 3 years old if possible and safe to do so.
They understand basic sleep boundaries.
They can stay in bed without constant redirection.

If you transition too early, you may trade climbing out of the crib for getting out of bed all night long.

A Note on Safety

If your child has successfully climbed out once, ensure their bedroom is a safe zone- always:

Keep the floor clear of hazards
Use outlet covers and secure furniture to walls
Consider a safety gate at the bedroom door

Why 3 Years Old Is The Target Age For Transitioning

Children under the age of 3 typically lack the developmental maturity to handle the freedom of a bed and stay in it independently.

One of the most important reasons to delay the transition out of the crib is that older toddlers—around age 3 and up—are better equipped to understand expectations, follow simple rules, and respond to incentives.

When younger toddlers (ages 1–2) gain the ability to leave their bed, they often lack the impulse control to remain in place—and you have few options to reason or negotiate with them effectively.

Final Thoughts

Crib climbing is a developmental milestone, not a misbehavior. With the right strategies, many children can safely remain in the crib for several more months — up to 3 years old or sometimes more!

If you’re feeling unsure about how to handle this transition or need support creating a safe and effective sleep plan, I’m here to help. Sleep doesn’t have to be a battle.