Climbing Toddlers - Why Climbing Matters - HealthSurgeon - Healthy Living and Fitness

Some babies and toddlers have an urge to be climbers. Sitting still is not in an infant and toddlers disposition. It is normal for them to want to move, wiggle, and explore. Once your child starts crawling they will want to be able to get everywhere so they can explore their surroundings. This is normal and part of their development. After crawling some babies may transition into wanting to climb everything too. Especially if you have a curious child, climbing may be even more exciting for them.

Your child may start climbing as early as 6-9 months when they start crawling, or they may wait and not crawl until they are between 2-3 years old. It all depends on the child. Some children may never want to climb, and that is ok too. It does not mean they are behind developmentally as a child who climbs.

Some children climb for many reasons. They want to explore or are curious about their environment. It helps them be independent in doing something. Helps them build confidence in their abilities. Builds their mobility and their strength. Climbing can be a great way for your child to get out all their energy they have. Moving is good for your fitness and health no matter what your age. Children learn through moving and exploring their world.

Climbing can be bad when it turns unsafe. This can be climbing when they are unsupervised, climbing out of a crib, trying to climb up a bookshelf or dresser.

Climbing out of a crib can be really startling. Your child who should be in their bed is all of a sudden not. This can happen anytime from before your child’s first birthday up to the age of three. Your child may be wanting to climb out of their crib for independence of doing it themselves instead of having to wait on you to come get them. Separation anxiety can be a real motivator for a child also who is willing to do anything to get back to you. Fear of the dark can also be a motivator. If your child is off their sleep schedule it may also cause them to try to climb out of their crib. Not giving your child enough time to practice their climbing skills during the day, may also lead them to try and climb out of the crib.

Some people may think that as soon as their child is climbing out of their crib it is time to switch to a big bed. In some cases this may be the safest option for your family and your child. There are safety studies that say if a child is over 35 inches tall still in a crib it may be safer for them to be in a different bed situation. This could mean a toddler bed, or a twin sized bed. Some families find floor beds to be very safe for their children.

If you find that your child is climbing out of their crib, try not to overreact the first time. Yes, it can be concerning and scary, making a big fuss may make them want to continue the behavior. Make sure the crib is lowered to the lowest notch. This should be done as soon as your child is fully sitting up on their own. If you have a crib that has a taller back than front you can try and turn your crib around so that your child has a higher side that they would have to get over, this may make it too tall for them to swing a leg over. Putting your crib in the corner where two sides are blocked by walls can also eliminate options for climbing. Make sure all other furniture is moved away from the crib so they can’t easily get onto another piece of furniture. Do not teach your child how to climb in and out of their crib. If you teach them during daytime when you are there, they will practice during nighttime when you aren’t. Putting your child still in or going back to wearing a sleep sack can also stop them from being able to get their leg up high enough to get over the top of the crib.

With having a child that is a climber there are some things you need to make sure you do to childproof your house. This is in addition to the normal everyday child proofing you do. Make sure their bedroom is childproofed especially if they have climbed out of their crib once, it is bound to happen again. Make sure all small toys are picked up before your child goes to sleep. Make sure furniture is bolted and secured. Furniture falling on children from them climbing is one of the most seen injuries in toddlers. Cover electrical sockets. Secure cords, blinds, and long drapes appropriately. Replace any free standing lamps with overhead lighting. Add finger pinch guards to the door or keep their door shut.

Supervised climbing should be allowed daily. Teach your children what is ok to climb and what isn’t. Have outdoor play gyms, step stools, obstacle courses, or help them climb up the stairs at home. This helps your child practice their large motor skills which are important in their development. Gate your stairs when you aren’t available to supervise climbing up and down for safety. Intervene when things get unsafe, but know that falling does occur when your child is a climber. Whatever your child likes to climb most, have big pillows or cushions around them for when they fall. Pillows and cushions do not replace adult supervision.

Providing guidance, encouragement, and reassurance for your child, you will be able to make them into safe independent climbers. Start with low structures at first before building up to higher taller things. Make sure that if they start to climb something that isn’t safe you set boundaries and redirect them to something that is allowed to be climbed on. Help your child to learn the correct way to climb down from somewhere. With their bellies toward the object using both hands and feet. Praise your child when they climb something. Be proud of your little mover and help them to learn to climb safely.