How to Stop a Toddler From Falling Out of Bed

As a toddler transitions from a crib to a bed, you might have issues with bumps in the night. A little one not unaccustomed to the freedoms of a bigger bed might have trouble learning not to roll out of the bed and onto the floor. Take proactive steps to keep your toddler in bed to avoid negative situations and injuries from occurring.

Move your little one to a toddler bed. This is a small bed made to hold a crib mattress, but it has slightly raised sides to keep the toddler secure. Toddler beds are often painted with the images of their favorite cartoon characters or made in the shape of a car or train locomotive. .

Place your toddler in an adult-sized twin bed and attach a pair of bed rails. Some twin-sized bed frames are sold with optional rails that you can fold down or remove when your child no longer needs them.

Create a barrier that prevents your child from rolling out of his bed. You might place your child's bed in a corner against a wall. Another options involves rolling up a long beach towel and tucking it under the mattress on the open side of the bed to lift the mattress on that side, making it difficult for the toddler to roll out.

Tips

Consider moving your child's mattress to the floor at first, suggests psychologist Laura Markham, with the Aha! Parenting website. This acquaints him with the idea of sleeping without boundaries, while also preventing serious falls.

Warnings

Lifetime events, such as the arrival of a new baby, can press you to remove your child from his crib before he is ready. Don't rush the move if you think your child would still do better in his crib. Never put a toddler on the top of a bunk bed, even if it has rails.

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