Standing in the Crib? How to Handle This Sleep Regression Like a Pro

Around 6-9 months old, babies start learning how to stand in the crib! This can be really cute and not a huge disruptor of sleep…or the exact opposite: sleep regression ahhhh.

I’m sure you’ve heard me say this by now, but sleep “regressions” are actually a good thing. It typically means that your baby is growing and thriving and doing great!

Meeting milestones like rolling, crawling, standing, and walking can bring all sorts of challenges when it comes to sleep. You are NOT alone in your frustration!! In fact, I have a whole FREE Sleep “Regression” Course that breaks down every typical regression age, explains why it happens, and gives you actionable strategies to get through it. If you haven’t already, make sure to grab it here:

👉 FREE SLEEP “REGRESSION” COURSE

WHY IS STANDING SUCH A BIG DEAL?

First of all, it’s important to remember that although standing might not seem like a huge deal to us, it’s literally life-changing for babies. To go from seeing the world lying down to suddenly having this whole new perspective is insanely stimulating for them. Imagine waking up one day and being 2 feet taller—how weird would that feel? That’s why they want to practice this new skill 24/7… even when they should be snoozing.

This phase can feel exhausting, but it’s temporary, and there are things you can do to help your little one adjust faster.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR BABY THROUGH THIS PHASE

1️⃣ Practice Pulling to Stand (A LOT)
When you’re at home during the day, help your baby practice pulling to stand over and over again—like, until it gets tedious and boring. The more they practice, the faster they’ll master this skill, which should help them move through this regression more quickly.

2️⃣ Practice Sitting Back Down
This is a big one! Often, the hardest part for babies isn’t standing—it’s figuring out how to sit back down. If they’re standing in the crib and don’t know how to get down, it can lead to frustration (and tears).

Here’s how to help:

• If they’re standing by the couch or coffee table, place their favorite toy on the floor a few feet away to encourage them to practice getting down.
• Celebrate every time they do it! Give them lots of love and excitement so they’ll want to keep practicing.
• If they need extra help bending their knees or holding your hand, that’s totally fine. They’ll get better with time.

And just like pulling to stand, practice sitting back down OVER AND OVER again until it’s second nature for them. It might feel repetitive, but trust me—it works!

WHAT IF THEY KEEP STANDING DURING SLEEP TEACHING?

This is such a common question, and it’s totally normal for babies to stand up in the crib while you’re sleep teaching, especially if they’re in the middle of learning this new skill. Here’s what to do:

• Lay Them Down Once
  If they stand up, gently lay them back down once. You don’t want this to turn into a game where you’re going up and down all night long. Babies are curious little humans, and it’s human nature to want to do the opposite of what you’re being asked to do. So, allow them the choice to lay back down when they’re ready.
• If They’re Stuck, Help Them
  If you think their legs are locked or they’re genuinely stuck, go ahead and gently guide them back down. Practicing during the day should help with any “leg locking” issues, but trust your instincts here—you know your baby best!

REMEMBER, YOU’RE NOT ALONE

If you’re feeling like you’re constantly struggling with your child’s sleep, I’m here to help! I work with families JUST LIKE YOU every single day—families who are up every 2 hours, replacing pacifiers, nursing, or just trying to figure out what’s going on.

I can help you go from surviving to thriving! My self-led sleep programs walk you through step-by-step plans for bedtime, how to handle every situation, and how to help your baby sleep through the night when it’s time.

👉 BABY SLEEP COURSE (4-24 MONTHS)

You’ve got this ok mate!! This phase won’t last forever, and better sleep is just around the corner!