One thing I noticed about my toddler is that she would move around a LOT, always experimenting on things. That meant always trying to escape their crib, which wasn’t just irritating, but dangerous. So I decided to look into different toddler climbing out of crib solutions to help out.
Once my baby turned into a toddler, all I felt was excitement and sadness, they grow so fast! But as they reached that stage, all I could wish for now is that they went back before. Not only because I don’t want them to grow up, but because toddlers sure are active!
If you’re looking for ways on how to keep toddler in crib, read on as I show you different tips!
When Should You Switch To Toddler Beds?
While there aren’t specific ages for it, experts agree that they can make the transition once they’re 18 months old.
One of the signs that your toddler’s ready for a toddler bed is if he continues to keep escaping cribs. But how exactly do you know if he’s ready for it?
While there aren’t specific ages for it, experts agree that they can make the transition once they’re 18 months old. It’s best to move them when they’re already three years old, usually. These are the specific signs to watch out for:
Falling Asleep At Night Consistently
If he still struggles with sleep consistency, the chances of him jumping off the bed to play are high.
I know how difficult it is to try getting your little one to sleep at night as he grows up. But once bedtime isn’t a huge battle and he can sleep at a certain schedule, it might be time!
So is your toddler begins to sleep consistently and stays asleep without struggling? Then most likely, he can handle a bed without the physical containment. If he still struggles with sleep consistency, the chances of him jumping off the bed to play are high.
Waking Up Only When Something’s Wrong
If he sleeps straight and only wakes up if he’s sick or for the bathroom, then consider a toddler bed!
Do you notice that your toddler still cries or shouts for help in the middle of the night? Then it’s not the time for the toddler bed just yet, especially if he cries just for comfort. If they wake up in the middle of the night, they can go out easily and wander, potentially injuring themselves.
So if you need to keep soothing them a lot throughout the night, it’s best to stick with the crib. If he sleeps straight and only wakes up if he’s sick or for the bathroom, then consider a toddler bed!
You Can Trust Them Alone
So if you trust that they can sleep on their own without safety hazards, toddlers bed will work.
With a toddler bed, realize that your little one can easily get out and you won’t know for a short while. So if you trust that they can sleep on their own without safety hazards, toddlers bed will work.
However, if you aren’t comfortable with your toddler out of sight for just a few minutes, then don’t change yet.
Toddler Climbing Out Of Crib Solutions
But what if your toddler still isn’t ready for the “big kid bed” yet? Then here are the four effective toddler climbing out of crib solutions that worked for me!
1. Lower the Crib Mattress
This method’s probably the most obvious and first one to follow. As an infant, it’s best to start off with a high mattress, nearing the crib rail since they barely move. That way, you can put them in or carry them out without leaning too much or pose any safety risks.
This prevents them from hoisting themselves up and making the grand escape.
But once they grow older, they’ll start to move around, stand, and even try to escape. To lessen those chances, adjust the mattress and lower it down from the crib rail. This prevents them from hoisting themselves up and making the grand escape.
You can adjust the mattress level easily in all types of cribs by taking the brackets out from the crib’s bottom. After that, slide down the mattress support and reattach the brackets.
2. Use Sleep Sacks to Restrict Movement
Another excellent hack I learned online was the sleep sack, especially if lowering the mattress doesn’t help. When placing a sleep sack or bag in your toddler, it restricts their leg movement. As a result, they won’t be able to stand up and climb out of the crib!
That way, there won’t be any chance of them getting out of the crib since they do need their legs.
Think of these sleeping bags or sacks as swaddle wraps for infants. Fortunately, they have a sleep sack for toddlers climbing out of crib without any leg holes. That way, there won’t be any chance of them getting out of the crib since they do need their legs.
If they can remove their sleep sack or even escape with it, then that’s an amazing feat!
3. Placing a Crib Safety Net or Canopy
If you still see your baby climbing out of crib, it’s best to use a crib bed or a canopy. These are made of mosquito mesh which fits on the crib, having the breathability and safe materials. Plus, it’s enough to prevent your little one from climbing and escaping from the crib.
While it’s a good solution, some toddlers (over two years old) have the strength to take it off.
Besides this, it can keep out any bugs that can scare or bite your toddler while he sleeps. While it’s a good solution, some toddlers (over two years old) have the strength to take it off. It’s a better solution for younger toddlers.
4. Rethink Their Bedtime Routine
He may just have some energy or sleep issues you need to address.
If your toddler climbs out of crib and not ready for bed, then it’s time to rethink the routine. He may just have some energy or sleep issues you need to address. Here are some adjustments you can make for your little one’s sleep routine:
•Have more consistent and longer naps with quality to lessen the trouble of falling asleep
•Instead of playing before bedtime, wind down with a good book, storytelling, or peaceful games
•Reward them when they show good sleep behavior, encouraging them to stay in the crib
Wrapping It Up
I hope my different toddler climbing out of crib solutions gave you an idea on what to do! So don’t wait any longer and start following these methods if you see your fodder climbing out of crib.
If you have any questions or want to share your tip on how to prevent toddler from climbing out of crib, then comment below. All your thoughts are much appreciated!
