“How to keep baby’s legs from getting stuck in crib?” is probably one of those things you’d never though of researching, until you become a parent and you made a creature who’s constantly finding ways to hurt or kill themselves.
It’s actually quite common for a baby to have their legs stuck between the crib slats, as some can be very active, even if they’re sleeping. They can be moving around, their legs goes in between the crib slats and next thing you know, it’s stuck, they can’t get it out and they’re crying out for you.
If you’re tired of worrying and waking up in the middle of the night to the sound of your wailing baby because your toddler’s leg is stuck in the crib, again, keep scrolling my friend.
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List of Contents
Key Takeaways:
In a nutshell, here’s how you can prevent your baby’s legs from getting stuck in the crib or between its slats:
- You can use a sleep sack, breathable mesh liner, or both.
- You can also use a crib bumper but FYI, this has risks.
- You can also stop using a regular crib, and just transfer your baby to a travel crib, pack-n-play, or a floor bed.
How to Keep Baby’s Legs From Getting Stuck in Crib
Sleep Sacks
This is the most common, highly recommended solution in how to keep baby’s legs from getting stuck in crib.
These are wearable blankets that easily zip up and keep your little one cozy when sleeping.
Some parents advised getting the brands below:
You can get a long-sleeved one if you use the AC all night or for cold, winter nights.
Mix it up with some short-sleeved or no sleeves, for summer and hot weather.
Sleep sacks can also be part of your bedtime routine! Wearing one every nap or bedtime can signal to your little one that it’s time for them to sleep.
Although some parents shared that their toddler still keeps getting their legs stuck in the crib slats, even when wearing a sleep sack.
If that still happens, turn to the next item below.
Breathable Mesh Liner
I’ve personally used a breathable mesh liner when my 1 year old keeps getting her leg stuck in the crib and it was quite helpful.
I guess she was fascinated with the design on the mesh liner and she would just keep looking at it.
Classic Collection – Best Friends BreathableBaby Breathable Mesh Crib Liner
If you’re getting one for your baby that keeps sticking their leg out of the crib, take note of its velcro.
It’s quite strong but always make sure to secure it properly, as your kid can suck on the ties and God knows what and just put themselves in danger.
Take note also if your baby is starting to stand up.
The mesh liner is quite thin so it would just lay flat if ever your kid steps on it, but if you’re worried that they might fall out of their crib, then just remove it.
Crib Bumpers
You can use this to prevent for your toddler that keeps getting their leg stuck in crib. This looks like the crib mesh liner but it’s made of padded fabrics, instead of the breathable mesh.
I’ve personally used this when my baby was at that stage where she probably thought she was a Wobbler toy and every time she sits down she would just bump her head all around the crib.
And she would be laughing while giving herself a potential concussion or worse!
But I removed it once she was learning to stand up cause I know her.
She would definitely step on the crib bumper and jump her way out of the crib.
A crib bumper is a controversial baby item as there’s a lot of suffocation risk involved, especially if your baby can’t move their head independently.
I wasn’t scared to use it because she was at that phase where she had good neck and muscle control and would prefer to sleep on her tummy.
But there’s actually now a law that prohibits the manufacturing and selling of padded crib bumpers (and inclined sleepers).
Personally, I don’t have anything against the use of crib bumpers, as I’ve used one myself and my baby was safe in it.
I think it’s a matter of gauging your baby’s development.
If they’re old enough to turn their head away but are not in that stage yet that they would start to step on the crib bumper and climb out of the crib, then personally, I think it’s fine to use it.
But again, we’re all different, so just do what works for your family.
If you’ve used sleep sacks, and mesh liners and they didn’t work but you don’t want to use crib bumpers because of the potential risk it involves, then keep scrolling down.
“Feet To Foot”
Some parents have discovered a little trick that worked wonders for their baby – placing their little on in the crib with their feet gently touching the crib’s foot.
Surprisingly, when their feet had that contact with the crib’s end, it seemed like there were less prone to kicking their feet out and getting them wedged.
Maybe it’s because babies tend to seek out boundaries and feel more comfortable when they sense one. So, having that boundary at their feet could encourage them to stay settled in one spot. Just a little friendly tip that might do the trick for you too!
Baby Keep Getting Legs Stuck in Crib Slats: Other Solutions
Get a travel crib
Some parents shared that they just gave up and turned to a travel crib. I can understand how tiring it can be to always deal with your toddler’s legs getting stuck between crib slats, so if the only solution is to get another crib, then by all means – do it!
It was as safe as a regular crib, it had mesh walls instead of crib slats (let’s see if your toddler’s legs can still get stuck on that!) and best of all, you can use it for traveling!
So according to most parents, it was worth it as they can use it for vacations or even a weekend trip to the in-laws and other relatives.
Read up my comparison review here of the Lotus Travel crib vs Baby Bjorn Travel crib.
Get a pack n play
Others mentioned just getting the best pack-n-play or playard.
It may not be as lightweight as a travel crib but it’s still portable and there are no crib slats/ railings for your baby’s legs to get stuck in!
Check up the pros and cons and more of getting a travel crib vs pack n play here.
Use bedsheets
One mom shared that they were struggling financially but she didn’t want her baby to keep crying because her legs keep getting stuck between the crib slats.
She used bed sheets instead and zig-zagged it around the crib and created a DIY crib bumper.
This is not for everyone and there are risks involved but if you have a very tight budget, this might work for your family.
Related Article: Best Cheap Baby Cribs
Use a floor bed
This is the ultimate solution in how to keep baby’s legs from getting stuck in crib: a floor bed. There’s no hell in a chance any of their body parts will get stuck there!
I actually did this with my little one cause she was trying to climb out of the crib when she turned one.
Like literally, the day after her first birthday, I saw her hitching her leg up on the crib and trying to climb out of it!
She hated sleep sacks and at that moment, I knew I didn’t have the mental, emotional, and physical energy anymore to deal with all this sh*t so I just said, f*ck it, we’re sleeping on the floor.
I made sure that her whole room was baby-proofed, we had a baby gate and I also added playmats on the floor.
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Baby Gate
- Cumbor 29.5-46″ Auto Close Safety Baby Gate
- Cumbor 29.5″-51.6″ Baby Gate Extra Wide
- BabyBond Retractable Punch-Free Baby Gate
Time for a toddler bed
A few parents just decided to get a toddler bed or turn their convertible cribs into a toddler bed.
Related Article: Are Convertible Cribs Worth It? (Pros, Cons, and More)
This might be tricky as, well, it’s a toddler bed!
You gotta wait until your kid can at least safely climb in and out of the toddler bed on their own.
But a few parents made it work so it might also work out for you.
Do nothing
Other parents said to do nothing as they will outgrow it after a few weeks. Or months, depending on your baby.
They will eventually learn the boundaries of their crib.
But if you’re tired of helping your toddler get unstuck in the crib, especially if they’ve been crying in the middle of every damn night, then, by all means, try the other methods above.
More Tips on Keeping Your Baby Safe in the Crib
- Use a baby monitor
I see this as a must-have, a newborn essential.
Especially if you can’t always stay in the nursery room and you have to do something that doesn’t involve your baby attached to you the whole time.
So get a baby monitor so you can always check up on your kid if they’re stuck again or something.
Just be careful where to place the baby monitor, especially the cord. You don’t want your kid reaching for it!
- Don’t use pillows
Especially if you have a baby that doesn’t have good control of its neck yet.
OR if they’re starting to stand up as they can step on the pillow!
That’s a huge no-no and can endanger your baby.
Can Your Baby Possibly Break Their Leg In The Crib?
This situation might make any parent’s heart skip a beat, but take a deep breath – the chances of your little one actually breaking their leg if it becomes trapped in the crib are extremely slim.
To put your mind at ease, the odds of such an incident are roughly 1 in 10,000. When you’re diligently sticking to those safe sleep guidelines, your precious bundle is far more likely to sail through just fine. So, rest assured and keep up the good work in ensuring a safe and cozy sleep haven for your baby.
Should I Use Sleep Positioners to Protect a Baby’s Limbs From Entangled in the Bars of Bed?
Avoid sleep positioners for your child – FDA warns against them. These items, like nests or anti-rolls, pose suffocation risks, particularly if your baby shifts or wriggles within. Despite claims, they lack scientific support and may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Opt for safe sleep practices recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics instead. Your baby’s well-being is top priority!
FAQ on Preventing Baby’s Legs From Getting Stuck in Crib
How do I stop my baby from sticking his leg out of the crib?
You can stop your baby from sticking their leg out of the crib by using a sleep sack or breathable mesh liner, or a combo of both.
You can also use crib bumper to prevent your toddler’s legs from getting stuck in crib, but FYI, this has risks.
You can also try making them sleep in a travel crib, pack n play or use a floor bed, instead of a regular crib.
Can a baby’s leg get stuck in crib slats?
Yes, a baby’s leg can get stuck in a crib slat. Especially if your baby is just too wriggly and moves around an awful lot.
There’s a 1-in-a-million chance that they can break their leg and though that might unlikely happen, it’s better to just come up with a solution to prevent your baby’s legs from getting stuck in the crib.
What can I use instead of a crib bumper?
Instead of crib bumpers, you can use a breathable mesh liner while making your baby wear a sleep sack, to keep their legs from getting stuck between the crib slats.
How to Keep Baby’s Legs From Getting Stuck in Crib: Final Thoughts
There are a lot of studies and opinions out there on what you should or shouldn’t use for your baby, which I think you should take with a grain of salt.
You’re the only one who knows your baby best so if you think a sleep sack is enough to keep your baby’s legs from getting stuck in the crib, then use that.
But if you know it’s not enough to prevent it, then use the other methods!
You know your baby best so do what works for your family.
If you like this article, then check out my guide on Best Non Toxic Cribs (Greenguard Certified Cribs!), Best Babyletto Crib Dupes That’s Cheaper!, and My Baby Won’t Stop Crying: 19 Things to Check For.
