How to Keep a Toddler in a Crib?

As a parent myself, I often faced challenging moments when my little one started to escape the crib.

One day, my baby was sleeping soundly, and the next, the little climber was attempting acrobatic moves to get out. 

Finding your toddler attempting to escape their crib can be surprising and concerning.

Between 1 and 2, my child started showing climbing skills, turning bedtime into a safety challenge for me anytime.

This climbing phase often comes without warning—one moment, they’re content in their crib, and the next, they’re trying to make their great escape.

While this behavior can cause stress, it’s a sign of normal development.

Your little one is simply testing their new physical abilities and growing curious about the world around them.

Let’s look around, consider how to keep them safe, and consider what steps you can take to handle this tricky phase confidently.

How Do You Keep Your Baby Inside the Crib?

It’s necessary to know and understand your little monster’s movements.

Let’s talk about those heart-stopping moments when you catch your little one attempting their great escape!

Don’t panic – I have some real-world tips for little artists! 

1. First Signs of Climbing

• One leg up on the rail (hello, future gymnast!)
• Standing and bouncing in the crib
• Testing the rails like monkey bars
• That proud “watch me!” look

Pro Tip: If you spot these signs, act fast! Don’t wait for the first escape attempt.

2. Stay Cool, Parent!

• Keep your poker face (even though your heart’s racing!)
• No laughing or clapping (yes, it’s cute, but don’t encourage it)
• Stay boring – exciting reactions make them want to do it again
• Use a calm voice: “It’s sleep time, lie down.”

Think of it like this: It becomes a game if you make it fun. And trust me, you don’t want “escape the crib” to become their favorite bedtime activity!

Simple Ways to Keep Your Little Climber in Their Crib

 Is your toddler auditioning for the circus at bedtime? Let’s talk about some real-world solutions that work.

There is no fancy parent-speak here – talk about keeping your little monkey in their crib!

Step 1: The “Put Them Back” Game

Think of this like training a puppy – it’s all about being boring and consistent! Found your tiny escape artist standing at the crib rail again?

Stay cool! Think of this like a very boring game of peek-a-boo. When your toddler climbs out, quietly pick them up, put them back, and say “sleep time” – that’s it!

No extra hugs, long talks, or laughing (even if they’re super cute!). The less exciting you make it, the quicker they’ll learn that climbing isn’t a fun game.

Here’s Your Game Plan:

• Scoop them up (yes, even if it’s the 100th time)
• Put them back in bed (like a little jumping bean)
• Keep your cool (even when you want to scream!)
• Say only “night-night” or “sleep time” (that’s it!)

Remember: Getting upset or making it fun turns bedtime into party time!

What NOT to Do:

• No extra stories (“just one more” becomes fifty more!)
• Skip the bonus cuddles (hard but necessary)
• Don’t start chatting (save the conversation for the morning)
• No negotiating with your tiny terrorist (yes, they’re cute, stay strong!)

Step 2: The Sleep Detective Work

Time to put on your detective hat and solve the sleep puzzle! Put on your detective hat and look for clues!

Is your little one going to bed too early and not tired enough?

Did they skip their afternoon nap and are now too exhausted to settle?

Maybe they need more running-around time during the day?

Watch for sleepy signs like eye rubbing or getting quiet – that’s your perfect bedtime window!

Ask Yourself These Questions:

• Is your early bird going to bed too early? (Look for sleepy signs!)
• Did they skip their nap? (Overtired = harder to sleep)
• Are they bouncing off the walls? (Need more playtime?)
• Was bedtime a crazy rush? (Kids need time to wind down)

Pro Tip: Keep a quick note on your phone about when they sleep best. You might spot a pattern!

Step 3: Make Their Crib Escape-Proof

Let’s turn that crib from a jungle gym into a cozy sleep spot! Turn that crib from a climbing frame into a comfortable sleep spot! Try a sleep sack (it’s like a comfy straight jacket – in a good way!). Move all furniture away from the crib – no step stools for our tiny climbers! Lower that mattress, and keep the crib clear of toys they might use as stepping stones. Think like your toddler: they definitely will if you can climb it! 

The Safety Setup:

• Try a sleep sack (it’s like a cozy sleeping bag they can’t climb in!)
• Clear out the “stepping stones” (bye-bye, stuffed animal collection)
• Double-check that mattress (if you can reach in easily, lower it!)
• Make the landing zone safe (just in case they’re extra sneaky)

Quick Tips That Work:

• Keep one small comfort item (their favorite teddy)
• Use white noise (blocks distracting sounds)
• Keep the room boring (no exciting toys in view)
• Make sure PJs aren’t too hot or cold

When Nothing Seems to Work

Try These Backup Plans:

• Move bedtime 30 minutes later
• Add more active play during the day
• Make sure the room is dark enough
• Use white noise to block distracting sounds

Safety First!

If your climber won’t stop:

• Put soft rugs around the crib
• Keep the area clear of hard toys
• Consider transitioning to a toddler bed
• Trust your gut – you know your child best

The Best Methods to Keep Your Toddler Safe in Their Crib

1. The Sleep Space Setup

Lower the Mattress

• Put the mattress on the lowest level possible
• Check if you can still reach your child easily
• Leave enough space so they can’t climb out
• Make sure there’s no gap between the mattress and crib sides

Clear the Climbing Zone

• Move dressers and chairs away from the crib
• Take out large stuffed animals they might use as steps
• Keep the crib at least 2 feet from other furniture
• Remove mobiles or hanging toys they could grab

2. The Sleep Routine Magic

Set a Calm Bedtime Pattern

• Start quiet time 30 minutes before bed
• Turn down lights and noise
• Read a short story or sing a gentle song
• Keep the routine the same every night

Time it Right

• Watch for sleepy signs (yawning, eye rubbing)
• Please don’t put them to bed too early when they’re wide awake
• Please make sure they’re tired from daytime play
• Keep naps at regular times

3. Smart Sleep Tricks

Use Sleep Sacks

• These keep legs covered but free to move
• It makes climbing harder (like a soft sleeping bag)
• Choose the right size – not too big or small
• Use lightweight ones for warm nights, cozy ones for cold

Make the Crib Cozy

• Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet
• Keep blankets light and below chest level
• Use a white noise machine to block distracting sounds
• Keep room temperature just right (68-72°F)

4. Daily Habits That Help

During the Day

• Plenty of active playtime
• Regular exercise and movement
• The outside time, when possible
• Not too much sugar or excitement near bedtime

Nap Time Tips

• Keep nap schedule steady
• Don’t skip naps – tired kids sleep worse
• Use the same sleep spot as the nighttime
• Follow a mini version of the bedtime routine

5. When They Try to Climb

Stay Calm

• Don’t make a big deal about climbing attempts
• Quietly put them back in the crib without talking much
• Be boring – no fun reaction
• Stay consistent every time

Be Patient

• Explain “it’s sleep time” in simple words
• Give a small comfort item (like a favorite stuffed animal)
• Praise them when they stay in the crib
• Remember, this phase will pass

Safety Reminders

• Check the crib weekly for loose parts
• Make sure all sides are secure
• Keep sleep space clear of toys
• Always place baby on back to sleep

Most importantly, trust your parents’ instincts. You know your child best. Trying something else is okay if something feels unsafe or isn’t working.

Why Do Toddlers Start Climbing Out of the Crib?

1. They’re Growing Up Fast

Remember that tiny baby who could barely roll over? Well, your little one is growing stronger every day! Their bodies are changing in ways that make climbing easier:

• Their legs are getting stronger (hello, new muscles!)
• They can pull themselves up like mini gymnasts
• They’re tall enough to see what’s on the other side
• Their body moves in new ways every week

Think of it this way: Your toddler just got a brand new set of skills, and they’re super excited to try them out—even if it’s 3 a.m.!

2. They Want to Be Big Kids

Your toddler is going through their “I can do it myself!” phase. This means:

• They want to show you they’re independent
• Everything looks interesting and worth exploring
• They see older kids or siblings in regular beds and think, “I want that!”
• The world outside their crib seems way more fun than sleeping

Remember: Every child is different, and what works for one family might not work for another. But don’t worry – I’ll give you plenty of options to try!

The Importance of Keeping Your Toddler in a Crib

1. Keeps Them Safe

Toddlers and good decisions don’t always go together! Keeping my toddler in the crib helped me a lot to calm down in many as:

• Stopping late-night adventures when everyone’s asleep
• Keeping them away from things that could hurt them
• Giving them a safe space that’s just for sleep
• Preventing those scary middle-of-the-night tumbles

Think of the crib as your child’s personal sleep fort – cozy, safe, and just for them!

2. Helps With Sleep

A crib isn’t just a baby bed – it’s a sleep teacher:

• When they’re in it, they know it’s sleep time
• It helps them get a full night’s rest
• They feel secure in their familiar space
• Good sleep helps them grow and learn better

It’s like having a special signal that tells your toddler, “Hey buddy, it’s time to rest now!” 

3. Makes Life Easier for Parents

Happy child = happy parent!

Keeping your toddler in their crib helps you, too:

• You know exactly where they are at night
• You can get better sleep (you need that!)
• Less time worrying about nighttime wandering
• Your daily routine stays on track

Common Mistakes Parents Make and How to Fix Them?

Let’s discuss some typical slip-ups that many parents make (don’t worry—I’ve got your back at some point. Everybody has been there!) and how to solve them easily. 

1. Setting Up Wrong

The High Mattress Trap

Problem: Keeping the mattress too high – it’s like giving your toddler a boost! (Say a big NO to that)
Fix: Lower it down. Your back might not love it, but it’s better than your little one taking a tumble.

The Furniture Layout Issue

Problem: Placing the crib near bookcases or chairs creates a ladder for your tiny climber. How can this be fixed?

• Move all furniture at least 2 feet away from the crib
• Look at the room from your toddler’s view (get down on your knees)
• Remove anything they might use to climb

The Toy Collection

Problem: Turning the crib into a toy box fix:

• Keep just one or two comfort items
• Remove toys that could be stacked
• Take out hard toys that could hurt during sleep

2. Bedtime Problems

The Timing Trouble

Problem: Wrong bedtime – either too early or too late. Fix:

• Watch for sleepy signs (yawning, quiet, eye rubbing)
• Aim for bedtime when they’re tired but not overtired
• Keep bedtime the same every day (even on weekends!)

The Rush Job

Problem: Hurrying through the bedtime routine. Fix:

• Start bedtime 30 minutes before actual sleep time
• Follow the same steps each night: Calm play, Bath or wash up, PJs, Story or song, Cuddles, Sleep.

The Mixed Messages

Problem: Saying “bedtime” but not meaning it.

Fix:

• Be clear: when you say it’s bedtime, mean it
• Don’t give in to “one more” story/drink/hug
• Stay calm but firm

3. Safety Oversights

The “It Won’t Happen” Mistake

Problem: Thinking your child won’t try to climb. Fix:

• Always assume they might try
• Take safety steps before the first climb
• Check crib security daily

The Delay Game

Problem: Waiting too long to fix safety issues fix:

• Fix wobbly parts right away
• Replace broken pieces immediately
• Check screws and bolts weekly

The Hand-Me-Down Risk

Problem: Using old cribs without checking safety standards. Fix:

• Make sure the crib meets current safety rules
• Check for recalls
• Replace if it’s more than 10 years old

Quick Tips for Success

• Be consistent with your approach
• Stay calm when they test limits
• Praise good sleep behavior 
• Keep the room boring at night
• Don’t give up too soon on any method

Pro Tip: Keep a weekly sleep diary—note what works and what doesn’t. Sometimes, patterns emerge to help you find the perfect solution for your little climber! It helped me understand the matrix of my monster toddler.

Conclusion

Remember, finding your toddler trying to escape their crib can be scary, but it’s a normal part of growing up.

Every parent has to go through this phase – you’re not alone!

The key is staying calm and keeping things simple. Lower that mattress, clear the climbing temptations, and stick to your bedtime routine.

Think of it as teaching your child a new skill—just like learning to use a spoon or say “please.”

Most importantly, trust your parenting instincts. You know your little one best.

If something doesn’t feel right, try another approach. Keep safety first, be consistent, and remember – this climbing phase won’t last forever!

Stay patient, keep your sense of humor, and give yourself a pat on the back.

You’re doing a great job keeping your tiny adventurer safe and sound!

Frequently asked questions

How Do I Know if My Crib Mattress Is at The Right Height?

Quick test: Stand beside the crib. The rail should hit above your child’s belly button when they’re standing in the crib. If it’s lower, the mattress needs to go down. If you can easily reach in, they can probably climb out!

 at What Age Do Toddlers Typically Start Climbing out Of Cribs?

Most toddlers start attempting their first escape between 18 and 24 months. But every child is different—some start earlier, some later. Watch for climbing skills during playtime—that’s your first clue!

How Do I Make the Landing Area Safe, Just in Case?

You can make the landing area safe in many simple steps: 

• Place thick carpet or foam play mats around the crib
• Move all hard toys away from the area
• Keep furniture far from the crib
• Make sure monitors and cords are out of reach

They Say They’re Not Tired – Should I Keep Them up Later?

Watch their sleepy signs closely, not the clock. Are you yawning, eye rubbing, or getting quiet? That’s your window! Usually, between 7 and 8 p.m. works for most toddlers, but in many scenarios, they might not.