Are you a parent who is worried about your toddler learning how to climb out of their crib? Many parents experience this issue as toddlers become more daring, which can be worrisome
Fortunately, there are a few steps that parents can take to successfully prevent their toddler from escaping the crib.
Whether you have a newborn or an adventurous toddler, here are some tips to help you keep your little one safe and sound in the crib. Always remember that safety is the number one priority for your child.
In this post, we will go over how to keep your toddler safe in the crib while also encouraging them to practice appropriate sleeping habits. Read on to learn some easy strategies for how to prevent toddler from climbing out of crib!
What Will You Need?
To successfully prevent your toddler from climbing out of the crib, you will need the following:
- An adjustable crib mattress
- A sturdy and secure crib
- Firmly secured bedding (no loose blankets or pillows)
- No toys in the crib
- The appropriate size mattress for your toddler
Once you have gathered all of the necessary items, it is time to begin implementing your plan for how to prevent toddlers from climbing out of the crib.
10 Easy Steps on How to Prevent Toddler From Climbing Out of Crib
Step 1. Lower the Mattress:
This is the simplest way to prevent your toddler from climbing out of their crib, as it makes it much harder to reach the top railings and pull themselves up over them. It’s best to lower the mattress when they are still newborns, so they won’t be tempted by the raised rails later on. Don’t forget to adjust the mattress when your toddler starts to grow.
Step 2. Avoid Loose Bedding:
Be sure to avoid any loose bedding in the crib, such as blankets and pillows. These can make it easier for your toddler to pull themselves out of the crib and escape. As an alternative, you can use a sleep sack or blanket sleeper that is securely fastened around the body.
Step 3. Secure the Crib:
You must also make sure that the crib is securely shut at all times, with no gaps or openings that could possibly give your little one a way out. This includes making sure all screws are tightened and ensuring that there is no furniture or toys nearby that they could use to climb on and reach the rails. Be careful when moving the crib or putting it away, as this could loosen some of the screws.
Step 4. Place Your Toddler in Sleep-Safe Clothing:
Using sleep-safe clothing will help prevent your toddler from getting tangled up in the bedding, which could cause a dangerous situation. Opt for sleep-safe clothes that are snug and don’t have any loose strings or drawstrings that can get caught on something. You may also consider putting them in a onesie or sleep sack for extra protection.
Step 5. Create a Calm Pre-Bedtime Routine:
Creating a calming pre-bedtime routine is an important step to teaching your toddler how to stay in their crib at night, as it will help them wind down and feel relaxed before falling asleep. This can include having quiet time together, reading stories, singing lullabies, or cuddling with your little one until they fall asleep.
Step 6. Place Your Toddler Back Into the Crib If They Climb Out:
If your toddler can climb out of the crib, you must place them back in and explain why this is not allowed. Don’t scold or punish them for doing it, but be firm and consistent with your instructions. Ensure that they understand that this is not a safe behavior and could result in them getting hurt.
Step 7. Use Positive Reinforcement:
Reinforcing good behavior is a great way to help your toddler learn what is expected from them. If they stay in their crib all night, give them plenty of praise and positive reinforcement so they will be more likely to repeat the desired behavior in the future. You can also give them a treat or special toy as an incentive.
Step 8. Remove Ladders From Near the Crib:
Make sure to remove any ladders or step stools near the crib, as these can be used to climb out. Ladders should never be near the crib for any reason, and make sure to take them away each night after your toddler has gone to bed. Keep them stored away in a safe place.
Step 9. Use Other Safety Measures:
In addition to taking the steps listed above, you may consider investing in a sleep sack or other bedding alternatives designed specifically for keeping toddlers safe in their cribs. Safety straps are also available to prevent your little one from getting out of the crib and hurting themselves. Always remember to read the product labels and instructions before purchasing any of these items.
Step 10. Monitor Your Toddler:
Finally, it is important to monitor your toddler’s behavior in order to ensure they are staying safe in their crib. Check-in on them periodically throughout the night and make sure they are safe and secure. If you find that your toddler is frequently trying to escape, you may need to look into additional safety measures or alternate sleep solutions for them.
By following these steps, you can rest assured that your little one will be safe and sound in their crib night after night! However, it’s still important to vigilantly monitor your child’s behavior and adjust the plan as necessary to ensure continued safety. You can successfully prevent your toddler from climbing out of their crib with a few simple steps.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
1. If your toddler can climb out of the crib, make sure that it has been securely lowered to its lowest height.
2. Place toys or books inside the crib so your child can reach them while staying safely contained in the crib.
3. Consider using a blanket or netting around the crib’s sides as an extra safety measure, particularly if there are gaps between spindles on the side rails.
4. Make sure there are no objects nearby that could be used for climbing, such as furniture, open windows or shelves, and secure any drawers or cupboards with locks.
5. Watch for signs that your toddler may be trying to climb out of their crib and take steps to prevent further attempts at climbing. This might include buying a toddler bed or using a playpen instead.
Following these tips and tricks can help you keep your little one safe from harm while still allowing them to enjoy their freedom of movement within the confines of their crib. With careful planning and sensible precautions, you can ensure that they remain safely contained until it’s time for them to move up into a bigger bed.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Do not leave your child unsupervised in their crib when they are old enough to climb out.
2. Avoid using a bumper pad in the crib, as this can provide an easy hand or foot foothold for climbing.
3. Don’t make small items such as toys or books available in the crib which could be used for climbing.
4. Refrain from propping up pillows, blankets, or other objects against the side of the crib; these could easily be used to scale the sides of the bed.
5. Never place any objects on top of the bars of the crib so as to make it easier to climb over them – and if you’re concerned about your toddler’s safety, replace any drop-side cribs with a fixed-side model.
By following these simple guidelines, you can reduce the risk of your little one attempting to climb out of their crib and ensure that they remain snugly contained while allowing them to explore their newfound freedom. With careful monitoring and sensible precautions, you can keep your toddler safe as they develop into toddlers and gradually move from a crib to a bed!
Conclusion
In conclusion, how to prevent toddler from climbing out of crib takes patience and vigilance. You must know your toddler’s capabilities and what they can do. Before you know it, they’ll have acquired physical skills to climb out or even over the crib railings.
You should start to prepare for these stages of development early on by making small but important modifications, such as removing the bedding, toys, lights, and other objects early on that might be used as stepping stones to escape.
You can also invest in a crib safety rail guard designed to attach to the railing, not allowing toddlers access securely. Keeping an eye during nap time and securing the mattress firmly are two key components to ensure their safety within the crib.
By taking these necessary steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of your toddler climbing out of the crib with fewer difficulties along the way!
