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If your toddler keeps climbing out of the crib or getting out of bed at night, you're in good company. Nearly all parents wrestle with this very common issue during the toddler years, whether it occurs overnight, in the wee hours of the morning or just after you tuck in your tot.

As you master how to keep your toddler in bed, it’s a good idea to consider what’s going on with your little guy, whether physically, emotionally or developmentally. The age and stage he’s in will impact his ability (and willingness!) to peacefully head to bed. Fortunately, there are several techniques you can try that’ll help everyone finally relax and settle down for the night. 

Read on for more about why a toddler climbs out of the crib or bed at night, plus get some smart tips you can use to curb this habit. Just remember, patience and consistency are key to pop-out-of-bed behavior. Keep your cool and keep calmly returning him to bed!

When a toddler won’t stay in bed, it could mean his sleep needs are changing. Keep in mind that toddler sleep can range from 11 to 14 hours a day, including naps. But he’s also likely in the midst of a whole host of other big changes, including the following:

Take a deep breath and know that this toddler phase, too, shall eventually pass. In the meantime, here’s how to keep your toddler from climbing out of the crib or bed at night: Continue Reading Below More on Toddler Sleep Issues Common Toddler Sleep Problems and What to Do About Them What to Do When Your Toddler Won’t Sleep Why Is My Toddler Waking Up at Night? Common Toddler Sleep Problems and What to Do About Them What to Do When Your Toddler Won’t Sleep Why Is My Toddler Waking Up at Night?

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You're Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

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The educational health content on What To Expect is reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts to be up-to-date and in line with the latest evidence-based medical information and accepted health guidelines, including the medically reviewed What to Expect books by Heidi Murkoff. This educational content is not medical or diagnostic advice. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. © 2022 Everyday Health, Inc