04/16/2026
Toddler climbing out of the crib?
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Tips to help:
1. Sleep Sack
It makes it harder for toddlers to lift their legs high enough to climb over the rail. Choose one that fits properly and allows comfortable movement without restricting sleep. If we feel that they have outgrown the sizes for a sleep sack, then would look at sleep sack walkers. Many families find this simple change significantly reduces climbing attempts.
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2. Make Sure Your Toddler Is Getting Enough Sleep
A tired toddler does not look like a tired toddler! When they tip into overtired, they get a surge of energy, get the zoomies and look like they are ready to run, jump, play, etc. We want to catch them before they get to this point because once they are there it is hard to calm the brain for sleep.
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3. Consistent Routine
A calm and consistent bedtime routine signals that sleep is coming and helps toddlers settle more easily. Toddlers tend to ask for all the things to delay going to bed. Typically, when we add more steps to the routine the more it makes bedtime feel out of sorts.
4. Orientation of the Crib
Toddlers are very creative and may still try to Houdini out of the crib. 1) If you have a lower front of the crib and higher back to the crib, turn the crib around to have the lower front of the crib face the wall and higher back facing out and move the whole crib to a corner so that there is only one way out. 2) If all four sides are equal, move the crib to the corner so there are less side to climb out of.
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5. Use our voice to create a warm boundary
If we have tried all the things and we still see them try to hoist a leg over the crib rail, use our voice and say a strong and firm “No!” over the monitor to stop them from trying to climb. It may jar them a bit but will stop them from performing the action of climbing.
No matter what anyone recommends if you feel that keeping your child in a crib is no longer safe and they will hurt themselves, then trust your Mom/Dad gut and move them out of the crib.