When to Lower the Crib Mattress? A Practical Guide for Parents

An adjustable mattress base is one of the most important safety features of modern cribs. In the early weeks, a higher mattress position allows parents to place and lift their baby more easily. However, as babies gain strength and mobility, that same height can increase the risk of accidents.

Once a baby begins pushing up on their hands, rolling over, or gripping the crib rails, a mattress set too high may allow them to lean or tip over the edge. Lowering the mattress significantly reduces this risk and creates a more secure sleep environment.

When to lower the crib mattress for the first time

In most cases, parents lower the crib mattress for the first time between three and six months of age. This timing often coincides with important developmental milestones such as:

– rolling from back to stomach
– lifting the head and chest
– supporting weight on the arms
– increased leg movement and stronger kicks

If your baby can raise their upper body or shows early attempts to sit, it is a clear signal that the highest mattress setting is no longer safe. At this stage, lowering the mattress to a middle position is usually recommended, provided the crib offers more than one level.

The next stage: sitting and pulling up

Another critical moment comes when your baby learns to sit independently or starts pulling up while holding onto the crib rails. This stage typically appears between six and nine months, though development varies from child to child.

If your baby can sit steadily or kneel while holding the rails, and their head is approaching the top edge of the crib, the mattress should be moved to the lowest possible position. This setting offers the highest level of safety and helps prevent climbing or falling.

Do all cribs adjust in the same way?

Not all cribs use the same mattress adjustment system. Some models offer three height levels, others only two. Regardless of the design, the principle remains unchanged: the more mobile the baby becomes, the lower the mattress should be positioned.

Before adjusting the mattress, it’s important to review the manufacturer’s instructions and safety guidelines. This ensures the crib remains stable and properly secured after each change. Educational materials and product overviews related to baby cribs for children can be found if you check our catalogs, which present a wide range of crib solutions and configurations.

Common mistakes parents make

One common mistake is waiting too long to lower the mattress. Many parents delay until their baby is already standing, even though the need for adjustment often appears earlier.

Another issue is uneven adjustment. Lowering the mattress on only one side or failing to secure all fixings can compromise the crib’s stability. Every height change should be done carefully and symmetrically.

Some parents also believe raising the mattress during the day and lowering it at night improves safety. In reality, babies can attempt to pull up at any time, so the mattress height should remain consistent.

How lowering the mattress affects sleep quality

Lowering the crib mattress is not only about safety. It can also improve sleep quality. A lower mattress position gives babies more space to move naturally and often makes them feel more secure within the crib.

Many parents notice that once the mattress is lowered, their child settles more easily and sleeps more soundly. This sense of stability benefits both the baby and the entire household.

What comes after the lowest mattress setting

Once the mattress is set to its lowest position, the next developmental step often involves increased independence. Some parents choose to remove a few crib slats or convert the crib into a toddler bed, if the design allows.

This transition helps children gain confidence while continuing to sleep in a familiar environment. Guidance on this stage, along with broader insights into baby cribs for children, is often included when you check our catalogs, which showcase solutions designed for different stages of early development.

Summary

When to lower the crib mattress depends less on age and more on observing your baby’s development. Rolling, pushing up, sitting, and pulling to stand are clear signs that it’s time to adjust the mattress height. Making this change at the right moment increases safety, supports better sleep, and gives parents peace of mind.

By responding to your child’s developmental cues, you ensure the crib remains a safe and comfortable place to sleep at every stage.