It’s a common scenario for parents: your baby, who has been sleeping soundly, suddenly wakes up in the middle of the night and starts sitting or standing in their crib. They might be wide awake, perhaps even looking around, but they seem unable to lay back down on their own. This situation can be frustrating and confusing for both parents and babies.
Why Do Babies Sit or Stand Up in Their Sleep?
As babies grow, they go through various developmental milestones. Sitting and standing are significant milestones that demonstrate their increasing strength and coordination. However, these new skills can sometimes disrupt sleep.
Babies may wake up, practice sitting or standing, and then find themselves stuck in that position, unsure how to return to a lying-down position.
This is particularly common when these skills are new, and babies haven’t yet mastered the ability to transition between positions smoothly.
How to Handle a Baby Who Sits or Stands but Isn't Crying
Wait Before Intervening: Give your baby at least 15-20 minutes to see if they can figure out how to lay back down on their own. During this time, your baby might fuss a little or even babble, but that’s okay.
Quickly Help Them Lay Down: If, after waiting, your baby is still sitting or standing, you can go in and help them lay down. However, keep the interaction minimal. You don’t need to stay to soothe them if that is not what you usually do. Simply lean them forward into a lying position.
How to Handle a Baby Who Sits or Stands and Is Crying
Respond Consistently: Approach the situation the same way you would if they woke up crying before they learned to sit or stand. If you are going in, practice the forward-leaning motion to help them lay down.
Be Patient if They Pop Back Up: If your baby pops back up after you lay them down, leave the room and wait a few minutes (or the amount of time you usually wait until going back in) then try again. After two or three attempts, if your baby continues to pop back up, go in and soothe your baby by patting or rubbing while they are sitting or standing. If you go in every time they pop back up, it is going to turn into a game for them.
Stay with them: Try sitting on the floor next to the crib and encouraging them to lie down. Patting the mattress can help. Another few minutes of fussing, with you nearby, might be all they need to get back down on their own.
What to Do If Your Child Falls Asleep While Sitting or Standing
Yes, this can happen! Very stubborn babies can fall asleep sitting down and it is so cute but at the same time overwhelming and scary (I used to get very worried about my baby hurting herself).
If Your Baby Falls Asleep While Sitting: If your baby is sitting in the corner of the crib and can only fall forward, it’s usually best to leave them be. However, if they’re sitting in the middle of the crib, wait about 5 minutes after they fall asleep, then gently lean them forward into a lying position. This way, you avoid waking them or startling them too much.
If Your Baby Falls Asleep While Standing: If your baby is standing and falls asleep in that position, it’s essential to lay them down gently. I suggest that you stay close to the crib so that you can monitor the moment when they are very drowsy and then help them lay down.
Safety Concerns: What If My Baby Falls in the Crib?
Many parents worry that their baby might get hurt if they fall in the crib and hit their head. While it’s natural to be concerned, try not to rush in every time your baby stands or sits. Babies need time to learn how to maneuver around the crib, and this phase usually lasts about a week. If you’ve seen your baby fall and they didn’t get hurt, it’s okay to let them figure it out on their own.
It’s rare for babies to get injured in a crib that has only a mattress with a fitted sheet. Watching your baby on the video monitor can reassure you that they’re safe. Although it might be tempting, avoid softening up your baby’s crib with bumpers or vertical crib liners, as these products are dangerous and have been banned.
Daytime Practice
To help your baby master the skill of transitioning from sitting or standing to lying down, practice during the day is key:
Practice Sitting to Lying Down: Encourage your baby to practice going from sitting to rolling forward into a lying position. You can do this by having them reach for a toy or object in front of them, motivating them to lean forward and eventually roll into a lying position. With enough practice, they’ll become more comfortable and confident doing this on their own at night.
Practice Standing to Sitting: For standing, practice helping your baby bend their hips and “plop” down from a standing position. Gently guide them from behind at their hips, encouraging them to sit down. This practice will help them learn how to transition from standing to sitting or lying down more smoothly.
How Long Will This Phase Last?
This phase is usually temporary. It typically takes a few days to work itself out, but for some babies, it can last on and off for about two to three weeks. Once your baby feels confident in their new skills, they’ll no longer need to practice them as much during sleep sessions.
Remember, consistency is crucial! If it's been more than two weeks and you haven't noticed any progress, or if you've developed a habit that you'd like to change, let's chat!
Do you want more weekly advice? Sign up for my monthly newsletter here!
Comments