What to do if Your Baby Climbs out of the Crib

There’s a moment that catches many parents off guard: you hear a thump, a cry, or even tiny footsteps. You realize your baby has climbed out of the crib! It can feel scary and overwhelming. You thought you had more time before this milestone, and suddenly safety and sleep are both in question.

If your little one has started treating the crib like a jungle gym, you’re not alone. Many toddlers attempt to climb out between 18–24 months, but some adventurous little ones try even earlier. While it is a normal part of development, it can be dangerous, and it can absolutely disrupt sleep.

So let’s talk through what to do, step-by-step, so your child stays safe and everyone keeps sleeping.

Step 1: Lower the Mattress to the Lowest Setting

Start here. If your crib mattress is not already on the lowest level, move it down now.

This helps because:

• It increases the distance to the top rail (harder to climb over).

• It reduces the height of a fall if they attempt it.

  
  

Think of this as your first line of defense. It often buys families more time before needing a bigger change.

Step 2: If Safe, Place the Crib Mattress on the Floor (Inside the Frame)

Some crib models allow you to remove the mattress base and place the mattress directly on the floor while still inside the crib frame.

BUT — only do this if: The mattress still fits snugly against all four crib sides (no gaps). Any gap creates a suffocation risk, so check carefully.

When safe, this can extend crib use by a few months, especially helpful if your child is not quite ready for a toddler bed.

Step 3: Use Clear, Simple, Consistent Language

Toddlers understand much more than we realize.

When they try to climb, calmly repeat:

“We stay in the crib. Climbing is not safe.”

Avoid big emotional reactions, that can make the behavior more exciting. Keep your tone calm, confident, and repetitive.

Praise them warmly when they stay in the crib:

“You stayed in your crib — that keeps your body safe. I’m proud of you.”

Step 4: Remove Anything That Can Be Used for Climbing

Take a quick look inside the crib. Anything that can be stepped on can become a step up:

• Stuffed animals

• Pillow-like loveys

• Bumper pads

• Large blankets

  
  

Less in the crib = safer sleep + fewer “boosts” to climb.

Also consider using a sleep sack, which can help reduce how easily they can lift their leg up and over the rail.

Step 5: Consider “Room Proofing”. Treat the Room Like a Big Crib

If you have a determined climber, it may be time to shift your thinking from keeping them in the crib to keeping them safe if they get out.

This means:

• Anchor all furniture

• Remove small items and breakables

• Cover outlets

• Keep cords out of reach

• Use a baby gate at the bedroom door

  
  

Once the room is safe, you may choose to transition to a toddler bed or floor bed. This removes the falling risk but does open the door to new boundary-setting. Consistency will be key here.

Step 6: Know When It's Time to Switch to a Toddler Bed

Most children are safest staying in the crib until age 3, when impulse control is stronger. BUT, safety always comes first.

It may be time to transition if:

• Your child climbs out repeatedly

• Adjustments haven’t stopped the behavior

• The room is fully baby-proofed

• Your child is showing independence and readiness

  
  

The transition can feel big, but toddlers adapt well when routines and expectations are clear.

Extra Tips to Keep in Mind if Your Child is Climbing out of their Crib

• Stay calm. Your reaction sets the tone.

• Avoid turning it into a game. Keep your response low-energy and matter-of-fact.

• Be consistent. Whether it's staying in the crib or learning bed boundaries.

• Safety > timeline. If the crib is no longer safe, it’s okay to pivot sooner than planned.

  
  

You’re Not Doing Anything Wrong

Having your baby climb out of the crib can feel unsettling and maybe even a little stressful. But you have options, and this phase will pass. Your child is growing, developing, experimenting, which is exactly what they’re supposed to do.

With a few adjustments, clear messaging, and consistency, you can keep them safe and protect everyone’s sleep.

Need More Support?

If you’d like help deciding whether to keep the crib or transition to a toddler bed (and how to make either option actually work), we offer 45-minute Toddler Mini Sleep Consults where we talk through your exact situation and create a customized plan!

Thanks for reading!I’m Stellina Ferri. Mom of twins + one, and pediatric sleep consultant and parenting coach in the Boston & New England Area.

Helping families find balance, rest, and confidence is what I love most.

✨ Book your free evaluation call here to gather more information on how we can work together!