Lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting and remove anything your toddler could use as a step, and keep bedtime calm and predictable. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says once your toddler can climb out of their crib, it may be time to move to a "big kid" bed. The AAP also recommends switching once your child is 35 inches (89 cm) tall, or when the side rail is less than three-quarters of their standing height.
Climbing is a normal developmental milestone, not bad behavior. As toddlers get stronger and more coordinated, often somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, they figure out how to climb, and getting over the side of the crib feels like a thrilling achievement.
Common reasons toddlers climb:
The most urgent risk is a fall. A tumble from the top of the crib railing onto a hard floor can cause serious injuries, including head injuries and broken bones, so it's worth acting quickly once climbing starts.
Healthy Children recommends moving your child to another bed when:
If you do see your child try to climb, keep your reaction calm. Punishment rarely helps, because your toddler isn't being defiant and a big reaction can encourage them to try it again.
Once your toddler is out of the crib and up on their feet, sleepwear with legs makes more sense, so they can walk around without tripping over a sack. That's where the Love to Dream™ Sleep Suit will be your shining star of the bedtime routine.
Kids are so clever! Take a good look in and around the crib and remove anything that could become a step stool:
The more settled and secure your toddler feels at lights out, the less motivated they are to escape later.
Since your toddler in their crib is now a potential explorer, you need to treat their room as a childproofed space for the entire night.
If you have tried all the prevention tips and your child is still climbing out of the crib, it is time for safety reasons, to make the switch to a toddler bed.
While many sleep consultants suggest waiting until your child is closer to age three for better impulse control, safety is always the priority. If the risk of injury is high, the transition must happen.
A comfortable toddler is a more settled toddler. Being too hot, too cold or tangled in kicked-off blankets are all good reasons to wake up and go wandering.
Love to Dream™ sleepwear is designed for exactly this stage. In the crib, the Sleep Bag gives warmth without loose blankets. Once your little one moves
to a big kid bed, the Sleep Suit has legs, so they can stand, walk and move freely while staying cozy all night. Both come in a range of TOG ratings to suit the season.
It won't turn a climber into a sleeper overnight (we are working on that miracle!), but it takes discomfort off the list of reasons to get up.
Many toddlers start trying somewhere between 18 months and 3 years, as their strength and coordination develop. Every child is different, so some start earlier and some never try.
Lower the mattress to its lowest setting, remove toys, bumpers and nearby furniture they could climb on, and keep bedtime calm and consistent. A sleep sack can make climbing harder, but if your toddler is still getting out, it's time for a toddler bed.
The AAP says once your toddler can climb out, it may be time for a big kid bed. It also recommends moving on once your child is 35 inches (89 cm) tall, or when the crib rail is less than three-quarters of their standing height
It can make it harder, but it won't stop a determined climber. Once your toddler is getting out, switch to a toddler bed and sleepwear with legs, like a Sleep Suit, so they can move around more easily.
