Quick answer

If your toddler is climbing out of the crib, stop using it as a crib today. Lower the mattress to its lowest setting and remove any bumpers, pillows, or toys that can be used as a step. If climbing continues, move your child to a toddler bed or a crib converted to toddler-bed mode. A safe toddler bed rail can help during the crib to toddler bed transition.

Why Toddlers Climb Out of the Crib

Most crib escapes happen when a toddler's physical skills outpace the crib's setup. At around 18–24 months, many toddlers can lift a leg over the rail, especially if the mattress is still on a higher setting or if there is a bumper, pillow, or large toy inside the crib that acts as a step. A tall or highly mobile toddler may climb even from the lowest mattress setting. The crib itself is not the problem; the child's new ability is. Once climbing starts, the crib is no longer a safe sleep space because a fall can cause serious injury.

Immediate Safety Fixes to Try First

Before you shop for a bed, make the crib as escape-resistant as possible. Lower the mattress to the lowest setting allowed by the crib's instructions. Remove bumpers, pillows, stuffed animals, and any toy that could be used as a foothold. If the crib has a drop side, make sure it is locked and never lowered while your child is inside. Check that the crib is not recalled and that all hardware is tight. These steps buy time but do not guarantee safety if your toddler is determined. Never use a crib tent or add a rail extender that is not approved by the crib maker; they can create strangulation or entrapment risks.

When to Move to a Toddler Bed

Move to a toddler bed when your child climbs out even after the mattress is at its lowest setting and the crib is clear of step-up items. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends moving a child out of a crib once they can climb out, typically between 18 months and 3 years. If your crib is convertible, you can often remove the front rail and add a toddler rail instead of buying a new bed. This crib to toddler bed transition keeps the familiar sleep space while removing the climbing hazard. If your child is under 18 months or not yet climbing but you need a change, a crib with a lower profile or a floor bed may be a better fit.

Choosing a Safe Toddler Bed Rail

A safe toddler bed rail should attach firmly to the bed frame, leave no gap between the rail and the mattress, and be at least 4 inches above the mattress top. Avoid portable rails that rely on pressure alone or that can shift when your child leans on them. For convertible cribs, use the rail made by the same manufacturer when available; third-party rails may not fit correctly. Check the rail daily for looseness. Once your child can get in and out of bed confidently, usually within a few months, you can remove the rail.

Preventing Crib Escape Without a New Bed

If you are not ready to transition, you can reduce risk by keeping the mattress at its lowest setting and dressing your toddler in a sleep sack instead of loose blankets. A sleep sack makes it harder to swing a leg over the rail. However, this is a temporary measure. If your toddler can climb out while wearing a sleep sack, the crib is no longer safe. Do not rely on a video monitor alone to prevent falls; the climb can happen in seconds.

Diagnosis: Match the Symptom to the Next Step

  • Climbs out with mattress on lowest setting and crib empty: The crib is no longer safe. Move to a toddler bed or convert the crib by removing the front rail and adding the manufacturer's toddler rail. Stop using the crib as a crib today.
  • Climbs out only when a bumper, pillow, or toy is in the crib: Remove all bumpers, pillows, and toys. Lower the mattress to its lowest setting. Watch for two more nights. If climbing continues, transition to a toddler bed.
  • Has not climbed out but is tall or very active: Lower the mattress to the lowest setting now and use a sleep sack. Check the crib manual for the lowest allowed position. No transition needed yet, but be ready.

Products That Support a Safe Transition

  • Babyletto - Pogo 8-in-1 Convertible Crib - Honey: The Babyletto Pogo 8-in-1 Convertible Crib in Honey grows from newborn through junior bed and is GREENGUARD Gold certified. If you are still choosing a crib, a convertible model lets you remove the front rail for toddler-bed mode instead of buying a new bed when climbing starts.
  • Naturepedic - Organic Crib Mattress - 2 Stage Breathable Series: The Naturepedic Organic Crib Mattress 2-Stage Breathable Series is certified organic and has a washable breathable cover with 360° airflow. A breathable mattress with a washable cover is practical during the toddler years, when accidents and spills are common, and it fits standard cribs and many toddler beds.