Is your baby or toddler choosing to stand up in their cot when it’s bedtime? Discover the reasons behind this behavior and how to handle it effectively:
Why Is Your Baby Standing Up in Their Cot?
Babies often stand up in their cot as they develop new skills. This practice is a normal part of their growth and development. It can be a sign that they’re eager to perfect their newfound abilities. For older babies and toddlers, standing up in their cot can be due to various reasons:
- They may not be ready for sleep and want to communicate their alertness.
- Fear of missing out (FOMO) can make them resist sleep, even when tired.
- Changes in their routine or environment, such as starting nursery or moving to a new house, can unsettle them.
- They might be working on other skills like talking or walking and want to practice them.
- It could simply be a phase; babies and toddlers go through different moods and phases.
When Does It Happen?
Every child develops at their own pace, so the urge to stand in the cot can occur at different ages. It might start as early as 6 months or as late as 10 months or beyond. Some babies may never stand in their cots during sleep times, and that’s perfectly fine. Trust that your baby will reach milestones in their own time.
How to Help Your Baby Settle to Sleep
While standing in the cot is typically a passing phase, here are some tips to help you navigate this challenging period:
- Practice: Encourage your baby to practice transitioning from standing to sitting or lying down while they’re awake. Place toys on the ground and let them bend to pick them up, helping them develop this skill.
- Review Sleep Timings: Adjust their sleep schedule if needed. Longer awake times between naps or reduced daytime sleep might be necessary if they are very awake at bedtime.
- Avoid a Battle: If your baby repeatedly stands or sits in their cot, avoid continuously trying to lay them down. It can be frustrating and overstimulating. Instead, leave the room if they are calm or gently tap the mattress to signal it’s time to lie down.
- Consider a Sleeping Bag: Transition to a sleeping bag to prevent blankets from falling away when they stand.
- Provide Boundaries: Offer loving boundaries by meeting their needs (hunger, comfort, diaper change) and supporting them to settle back to sleep. Sit with them or give them quiet space to self-settle.
- Patience: Remember it’s a phase, and it takes time and patience. Consistently convey that it’s time to sleep calmly.
- Don’t Push It: If they stand or sit after a short nap, try to resettle them. If they won’t fall back asleep, accept it and get them up.
Understanding your baby’s developmental milestones and needs will help you navigate this phase with confidence. Stay patient and supportive as your little one explores their world and grows.
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