<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none;" alt="" src="https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?event=init&tid=2614473898371&pd[em]=&noscript=1" /> Skip to Content

When to Lower Your Crib Mattress

There are some milestones you look forward to eagerly; your baby’s first laugh, the first time your baby says mama or dada, their first steps…and lowering their crib mattress?

All right, so lowering the crib mattress may not be on parents’ top 10 list of exciting milestones but it is an important safety milestone in your baby’s life! 

One essential safety feature of cribs is the ability to move the mattress to different height levels. As your baby gets bigger, taller and more mobile, lowering your crib mattress will keep them safely confined inside their crib. 

Even though we know about the possibility of lowering crib mattresses, it is perplexing to many parents to know when you are supposed to do it. Worry no longer, we are here to walk you through the ups and downs (wink) of when to lower your crib. Read on for all of the tips and tricks you’ll need to keep your growing baby safe in their bed. 

Note: this blog post probably contains affiliate links, which means we may receive small commissions from purchases made through links in this post (at NO extra cost to you). You can read our full disclosure for more information.

Why Getting the Right Mattress Height Is Important

If the goal is to keep baby from tumbling out of the crib, why don’t we just start with the mattress at the lowest setting? Well first of all, it is easier for parents! Keeping your baby at the highest mattress setting when they are newborn-a few months old makes it easier for parents to lift baby in or out of the crib (especially if you had a c-section!). 

As your baby gets bigger, they will be able to sit up, pull up and eventually stand up in their crib. Getting the right mattress height is important so your baby won’t tumble, crawl or roll out of their crib.

Obviously keeping your baby from falling out of the crib is more important than making it easier for parents/grandparents to lie them down. The trick is to move the bed down incrementally to make it as easy as possible for the parents while still keeping your baby safe. 

When Should You Lower Your Crib’s Mattress Height?

Let’s dive into the nitty gritty of lowering your crib’s mattress height. There are age guidelines as well as signs you can look for in your baby that will help keep them safe. Here are some general guidelines (read on to get more in-depth information.)

Crib Height SettingAgeSigns it is time to change mattress height
Highest Level Crib SettingNewborn to 5 months oldRolling independently, pushing up
Middle Level Crib Setting5 months old to 8 months oldSitting up independently, pushing into crawling position
Lower Level Crib Setting9 months to 18 months oldStanding, climbing 
Floor Crib Setting (if available on your crib model)18 months to 24 months oldClimbing out of the crib, not wanting to go to bed, taller than 35”
Transition to Toddler Bed24 months+

PRO TIP: It is safest to lower the mattress height earlier than you absolutely need to. If you are nervous, you can always use a lower setting from the get go! If you or your partner (or grandparents) are on the shorter side, purchase a step stool like this to keep next to the crib that will make it much easier to lower baby down… and be super careful, otherwise this might happen:

When to Use the Highest Level Mattress Height

Birth – around 5 months

You can keep your crib mattress at the highest setting until your baby is around five months old. 

Watch for these milestones that make it dangerous for your baby to have their mattress at the highest level: 

  • Rolling over independently
  • Pushing up: lifting their upper body off the mattress

Remember that all babies reach milestones differently. You might need to lower your baby’s crib mattress earlier than five months.  Your baby might be rolling around at 3 months old, at which point you should move the mattress down a level. However, somewhere around five months most babies will be rolling over and pushing up and need their crib mattress lowered. 

When to Use the Middle Level

5 months old – 8 months old

The middle setting works well for babies between 5-8 months old. Babies at this age are still very dependent on mom and dad to get them from point a to point b. 

Watch for these milestones that mean it is time to move your baby’s crib mattress to the lower level setting. 

  • Sitting up independently
  • Pushing up into crawling position

No worries if your child hasn’t reached these gross motor skills at 8 months old, you can keep your crib mattress setting right where it’s at for longer. However, once your baby is sitting up and getting close to crawling, it is safest to move the crib mattress to the lower level setting. 

When to Use the Lower Level

9 months – 18 months old

At this point, your baby’s mobility will really take off! Between 9 and 18 months, they will start crawling, pulling up, climbing, walking and (believe it or not!) running! To keep your baby from unsafely exiting their crib when you are out of the room, it is now time to move the crib height to the lower level. 

Watch for these milestones that mean it is time to move your baby’s crib mattress to the lower level setting: 

  • Standing up independently
  • Climbing 

When to Use the Floor

The design of some cribs allows for an additional floor level setting when you place the mattress directly on the floor inside the crib. This height makes it nearly impossible (or at the very least difficult) for most babies to climb out of their crib. 

You should only put the crib mattress on the floor if your crib has been manufactured to have this as an option. Refer to your crib instruction manual and/or call the manufacturer to confirm this. Do NOT put the mattress on the floor if there is any gap between the mattress and the bottom of the crib as this would be extremely dangerous choking/injury hazard. 

When Should you Transition to A Toddler Bed?

24 months+

The transition to a toddler bed from a crib can be a controversial subject. Some people want to keep their baby in a crib as long as possible. If your baby is sleeping well and isn’t in danger of climbing and falling out of the crib, you can definitely keep them in the crib longer than 24 months. 

However, if you were blessed with a monkey baby, need the crib for a younger sibling, or just think those toddler beds are so doggone cute, you can transition to a toddler bed somewhere around two years old. 

Watch for these milestones that mean it might be time to move your baby to a toddler bed:  

  • Your toddler can and will climb out of the crib
  • Your child’s height is taller than 35”
  • Trouble getting your toddler to sleep in their crib

There are so many adorable (and useful!) types of toddler beds available to choose from. Some of our favorites are: 

A floor bed: A floor bed has the mattress directly on the floor, which makes it easier for toddlers to get in and out (a blessing, and also a curse). This floor bed has a frame shaped like a house with picket fences and would be a sweet big boy/big girl bed!

A classic toddler bed: These are lower down to the ground and the perfect size for a toddler. You will eventually need to size up, but a toddler bed is less intimidating for a little one to sleep in than a giant grown-up bed. 

A normal sized bed with a bed rail: If you go this route, I might recommend sizing up to a queen! This makes it easier for mom or dad if your little one wants someone to lay next to them after a bad dream or when they are feeling under the weather. Sleep is precious, y’all!

The Final Word

Knowing when to lower a crib mattress might not be a conversation starter at a party, but it is important! Being aware of the age ranges and signs that indicate it’s time to lower your baby’s crib mattress will give parents peace of mind and keep your baby safe. 

Remember, if you are a worrier, you can begin with the crib mattress at its lowest position. It is safe to do this, it just makes it awkward and sometimes difficult for parents to lower a sleeping baby onto the mattress. You can add a step stool to make it easier for everyone!

We hope this guide has cleared up any confusion about when to lower your crib’s mattress. Pay attention to your child and his/her abilities. All babies are different and will reach milestones at different times. Be confident in your ability to know your own child’s needs and to keep them safe. You’ve got this!

save-money-ebook

Sign up to my email list and get ready to save serious money on baby things!

Babies can be expensive! But, you don't need to buy everything the baby shops tell you you need. And you also don't need to buy everything brand new. In this ebook, you'll find 64 tips, tricks, and hacks to help you save thousands getting prepared for your little bundle of joy.

Sign up below and your free ebook will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also receive regular emails on how to save more money, you can view our privacy notice here!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

hospital-bag-checklist

Sign up for my email list and you won't forget to put the most important things in your hospital bag!

Relax - don't worry that baby brain is going to make you forget to pack something important - just download this checklist and you'll have nothing to fear.

Sign up below and your free checklist will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also receive regular emails about pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond you can view our privacy notice here!!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

baby-shower-gift-register

Be prepared for your shower - sign up for my email list and get a free gift register printable!

Don't be scrambling for a scrap piece of paper to record your gifts. Print out this gift register (maybe a few times) and you'll have plenty of room to record who got you what.

Sign up below and your free gift register printable will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also get regular updates from me you can view our privacy notice here!!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Sign up for my email list and be prepared - for anything!

This diaper bag checklist will help you not get caught out - diaper disasters, mud, mess... no worries!

Sign up below and your free checklist printable will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also get regular emails on me about pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond you can view our privacy notice here!!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

blog-accel

You want to start your blog out right

You don't want to waste time spinning your wheels trying to work everything out yourself. And you don't have to. The Blog Accelerator is the quick injection of info you need to get started with your baby blog.

Sign up below and your free ebook will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all you can view our privacy notice here!!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

3rd-tri-checklist

Sign up for my email list and keep track of everything you need to get done with a third trimester checklist!

Ugh! Baby brain! Write down your to dos and check them off as you go, don't try to remember them all. This checklist will help you there!

Sign up below and your free checklist will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also get regular emails on me about pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond you can view our privacy notice here!!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Sign up for my email list and prepare for your first month with the new arrival

You hear loads of horror stories about new moms who are 'too busy to eat'. Not you! Plan ahead and have dinner on the table every night for the entire first month.

Sign up below and your free grocery list will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also get regular emails on me about pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond you can view our privacy notice here!!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Elegant Baby Milestone Cards Free Printables

Sign up for my email list and get ready to take some beautiful milestone photos!

Planning to commemorate your baby's beautiful memories on camera? Here's some help!

Sign up below and your free baby milestone card printables will be on their way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also get regular emails on me about pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond you can view our privacy notice here!!

    Powered By ConvertKit

    You have Successfully Subscribed!

    pregnancy journal

    Sign up for my email list and get the free printable Bump Journal.

    Make sure you remember all the special moments and details of your pregnancy with this pregnancy journal.

    Sign up below and your free checklist will be on its way to your inbox in no time at all! You'll also receive regular emails about pregnancy, birth, baby and beyond you can view our privacy notice here!!

    You have Successfully Subscribed!

    Need a Baby Registry Checklist to keep organized?

    Join our mailing list to receive our free printable checklist plus the latest news and updates from our team.

      Powered By ConvertKit

      You have Successfully Subscribed!