How to stop toddlers from falling out of bed?

November 1, 2023

How to stop toddlers from falling out of bed?


Toddler playing

Firstly, let’s take a look at why toddlers fall out of bed, to begin with, and then we can take a look at some tips to prevent it from happening and to minimize the risk of injury.

It is never easy transitioning your child from a cot to a bed, and it can be an anxious time for parents. It is pretty common for children to roll around in bed and sometimes fall out, thankfully serious injuries are rare, and it should occur less and less as they grow older.

It has been suggested that one of the reasons it happens is due to a sense called proprioception; it is the sense of self-movement and body position, in essence, It’s a relationship between body and environment. It helps your body know where it is in the world and where all the parts of your body are in relation to each other.

It operates during the day and at night while we are sleeping. In children, however, this sense is still developing; it improves with practice as your child gets older.

A toddler trying to climb out of a cot

How to prevent toddlers from falling out of bed?

1.
If you’ve made the decision to transition your child from a cot to a bed, it may be worth considering moving them to a toddler bed first. Toddler beds are smaller, and accessing them is easier as they are lower to the ground than regular beds, and they also have side rails that help prevent falls. Toddler beds are perfect for children who have outgrown their cot but not quite ready for a big bed yet.
2.
Consider positioning the bed in the corner of a room. This creates a barrier that will limit the number of sides for falls to incur from 4 to 2. Ensure that there are no gaps between the bed and the wall. Things like sockets can produce gaps between the bed and the wall. Don’t plug the gaps with blankets or cushions. Young children can become trapped, and there is an increased risk of suffocation. If there are, gaps use a bed with guard rails instead for peace of mind.
3.
If you don’t feel comfortable at the thought of your child being off the ground in a regular bed or money is too tight to consider a toddler bed you can place a mattress directly on the floor for your little one to sleep on. We have a guide to baby floor beds you can check out. Once you are confident that falls are less likely to occur, you can move them up.
4.
Make your child’s bedroom a safe environment. Childrens bedrooms are often a dumping ground; however, extra care should be taken with the area around their bed. Limit the chance of injury by not only removing toys but also ensuring that furniture like bedside tables, chairs and lamps are far enough away that should your child fall the damage will be less.
Place some large pillows or cushions directly beneath the bed. The impact of any falls should be less.
5.
If you are moving your child from a cot to a regular bed, consider buying a guard rail. Some of these are excellent and cost-effective. They are often easily transportable—ideal for overnight stays. There are a wide variety of these available on the market, but please ensure that your child meets the minimum age requirements before purchasing.

What if a fall does occur?

It is not unusual for falls to happen, and as discussed, it’s a pretty common occurrence in children after moving to a “big bed”. If you, as a parent, follow the safety advice as provided, injuries should be on the whole, mostly preventable. This still does not negate the fact that when it does happen, it can be pretty frightening. Young children will often cry regardless, but will usually recover quickly soon after. If, however you see any symptoms such as drowsiness, vomiting or cannot move arms or legs or anything else you consider untoward consult a medical professional immediately. For further reading on injuries, click on the links in the sources below.

Here are some commonly asked questions about toddlers falling out of bed.

What age do toddlers stop falling out of bed?

There is no specific age; as they get older, it should happen less and less.

How do I stop my child falling out of bed?

Use a toddler bed that is lower to the ground and has guard rails or consider placing a mattress on the floor. If using a regular bed guard, inexpensive portable guard rails can also be used.

Is it normal for toddlers to fall out of bed?

Yes, it is a pretty common, particularly in children who have just transitioned from a cot to a regular bed.

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322208.php

https://www.samitivejhospitals.com/en/if-your-child-falls-out-of-bed/

https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-why-dont-people-fall-out-of-bed-when-they-are-sleeping-120282

https://www.nytimes.com/ask/answers/why-dont-adults-fall-out-of-bed-while-sleeping

https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/sleep/where-your-child-sleeps/cot-to-bed

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