diff --git a/sway/tree/container.c b/sway/tree/container.c
index df0645736..f906449a6 100644
--- a/sway/tree/container.c
+++ b/sway/tree/container.c
@@ -202,6 +202,9 @@ static struct sway_container *container_at_tabbed(struct sway_node *parent,
 	}
 	struct sway_seat *seat = input_manager_current_seat(input_manager);
 	list_t *children = node_get_children(parent);
+	if (!children->length) {
+		return NULL;
+	}
 
 	// Tab titles
 	int title_height = container_titlebar_height();