Most parents think of the crib as one of the safest places for their baby. Even when they aren't sleeping, you trust that those rails will keep your baby out of harm's way long enough for you to shower, pee, or even just catch your breath. That is, until they find a way to escape. Once your baby figures out how to make it over the crib's side rail and find their way to freedom, your world will change forever. If you've got a little escape artist on your hands, you need to know how to keep your baby from climbing out of the crib.
Babies are naturally curious. So it's easy to understand why they might want to escape the confines of their crib to see what goes on while they're supposed to be sleeping. And although babies usually has the best intentions, as a parent, you know how dangerous life can be on the outside. Making sure the crib is empty, lowering the crib mattress, and placing your baby in a sleep sack are just a few tricks you can try to keep baby safe inside the crib until you are ready to take her out. And if all else fails, you may want to consider making the transition to a toddler bed.
But if you want to stick with the crib, try not to react to your baby's escapes. Stand your ground and place him back in the crib without talking. It will be good practice when she tries to jump out of her bedroom window when she's a teenager.
1Use A Sleep Sack
The Baby Sleep Site suggested you try using a sleep sack to keep your baby's legs enclosed while they're in the crib. This will prevent her from being able to climb over the side of their crib.
2Empty It Out
As the New Kids Center points out, your baby could be using toys, blankets, and crib bumpers as tools to help her escape. Clear the crib of these items to prevent a path to freedom.
3Move From Crib To Bed
If crib jumping is a daily problem for your baby, you might want to consider making the transition to a toddler bed with a rail or bumper, according to Parents. Although this move will keep him from the injuries he could suffer while jumping out of the crib, the toddler bed will make it easier for him to get out of the bed and come looking for you in the middle of the night.
4Lower The Mattress
If you haven't changed the position of the mattress since your baby was a newborn, you might be making it easy for him to escape. According to the Baby Sleep Site, lowering the crib mattress to the lowest point possible can make it harder for your baby to climb out.
5Don't React
As baby sleep consultant Nicole Johnson told Rookie Moms, if parents react to their baby's escapes by giving them more attention, they will only encourage baby to continue the behavior. Resist the temptation to read another story or give another cuddle. Instead, try not to react and simply place them back in the crib without talking.
6Change The Routine
If you haven't figured it out already, babies' schedules are constantly changing. As Dr. Sears told Parenting, most toddlers drop their morning nap between 12 and 24 months. If she is escaping the crib during nap time, it may be because she isn't tired and is ready to drop one of the naps. You may want to consider adjusting her sleep schedule
7Don't Use The Crib For Time Out
If your child is going to his crib when he's already upset, he definitely won't want to stay there when it's time to sleep. As Baby Sleep Science advised, do not use the crib as a time out spot. Your baby will eventually begin to associate the crib with punishment and try to escape.
