Viral Video Highlights the Danger of This Popular TikTok Hack

Sometime between one and two years old baby might get some big ideas about bedtime. No longer content to sit and wait on Mom or Dad to come get them when they wake up, your kid might suddenly turn into a “flight risk,” attempting to climb out of their crib and into your bed in the middle of the night, early morning and at all hours.

For parents at their wit’s end, a new TikTok hack has spread like wildfire as the solution to overly energetic little ones anxious to escape their crib. Crib tents, once popular in the early 2010s have resurfaced as an easy way to ensure your child doesn’t venture outside their crib until a caregiver is present. The creative solution, though, is more dangerous than meets the eye and potentially deadly.

Popular TikTok child safety expert and dry-humored mortician @lovee.miss.lauren, better known as Lauren the Mortitican, recently took to her social media platform to explain why crib tents are dangerous and what other alternative can keep your “flight risk” in place.

At the beginning of her video, Lauren quickly shows a clip of a popular mom-fluencer showing how crib tents work. The lightweight mesh coverings simply go around baby’s crib and are tied onto the railing. Surrounded by a mesh barrier baby is no long able to climb out and be free.

Lauren points out that, unfortunately, this design has several flaws. While she acknowledges that parents should “do what’s best and works for you and your baby” but “I also agree with doing some research and making sure the products we use are safe. Because alot of these products aren’t regulated and I was surprised to find out today that crib nets like the one you just saw are not regulated.”

In fact, since the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued its first notice about the dangers of crib tents, the organization has cited 27 known tent failures, several recalls and at least one known death.

A mom herself, Lauren cites three ways crib tents present a danger to kids. One, baby can become entangled in the mesh; two, your child can potentially get stuck between the crib mattress and tent or three they can possibly puncture themselves on poles that get dislodged from the tent.

So what’s a parent to do about their curious kiddos? Lauren provides three alternatives.

Switch to a toddler bed. As pointed out by several parents in the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises that kids be moved to a toddler bed after attempting to climb out of their crib or once they are 35 inches tall. You can spring for a new bed or simply move your crib mattress to the floor for the time being. The AAP also reccomends that parents clear away furniture and large toys that could injure baby in a fall and install a safety gate across baby’s bedroom door to keep them from wandering.

Peace of Mind PJs Not ready for a toddler bed, Lauren shares a clever invention called Peace of Mind Pajamas. Created by a mom with a climber herself the legs of each PJ set are sewn together so baby can’t get their leg up to climb over their crib.

Sleep sacks If you want a little more traditional restriction you can also try a sleep sack. Sleep sacks work effectively same way, letting baby’s arms be free while keeping baby’s legs restricted from climbing.

Learn more about the AAP’s guidelines on safe sleep here.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.