When toddlers begin to climb out of their cribs, it can be a source of great worry and frustration for parents. This natural stage of development is often marked by curiosity and the desire to explore the world around them, but it can also present safety risks if not properly managed.
Understanding the Rise of Baby Climbing
Toddlers are naturally inclined to climb and explore, and their increasing physical ability and dexterity make it easier for them to climb out of cribs. This behavior is often referred to as 'climbing furniture' or 'climbing toys', and it is a normal part of early childhood development.
However, while climbing out of the crib is a normal part of development, it can also pose a safety risk. Toddlers may not have the judgment and depth perception to understand the dangers associated with climbing on uneven surfaces or heights. This can lead to falls and injuries.
Preventing the Risks
To prevent injuries, parents can take a variety of measures to keep their toddlers safe as they climb. Here are some tips:
- Lower the Mattress: move the crib mattress to the lowest possible setting to make it harder for your toddler to climb out.
- Turn the Front of the Crib toward the Wall: if your baby's crib is designed with a high back piece, turn the crib around, with the lower side toward the wall, can help keep your tiny escape artist from climbing out. This may not be an ideal long-term solution, but it might get you by for a short time until you decide on a permanent solution.
- Use a Sleep Sack: zip-up and velcro sleep sacks, or wearable blankets, can be safer than loose swaddles and can be used from the newborn stage through the early toddler years. With their feet enclosed in the one-piece, your child has less mobility to climb up the crib rails. Sleep sacks come in different sizes so be sure to pick the best fit for your little one.
- Keep the Crib Empty: remove as much as possible. A young climber will use toys and stuffies as a stepstool to help them get out of the crib. You might consider a lovey to sleep with or small hand-held toys to discourage stacking and climbing.
- Transition to a Toddler Bed: sometime you can do all the right things and your little Houdini still manages to slip out of the crib again and again. Even if they're getting pretty good at climbing out of the crib now, it's not worth the risk of a fall injury to let it continue. That means it's time to switch to a toddler bed. Picking a new toddler bed can be a fun upgrade to your toddler's room or you may have a crib that converts to a toddler bed with a few adjustments.
Managing the Situation
Unfortunately, some toddlers may not respond to cues and may continue to climb out of their cribs despite your best efforts. In these cases, it may be necessary to seek professional assistance. A childcare specialist or therapist can help address any underlying issues and provide strategies to manage the climbing behavior.
While baby climbing out of crib is a natural part of early childhood development, it can also pose safety risks if not properly managed. By taking a variety of measures to keep your toddler safe as they climb, you can help prevent injuries and provide a safe and supportive environment for their development.
