Written by: Jenn Schoen, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant
If your baby suddenly spends bedtime crawling laps around the crib or pulling up to stand instead of settling down to sleep, you’re witnessing one of the most common developmental sleep disruptions of the first year.
Around 7–10 months, babies experience huge motor milestones—crawling, pulling up, cruising, and practicing transitions like sitting to standing. These new skills are exciting and empowering for your baby, and it’s extremely common for them to show off or practice these movements during naps and bedtime.
While it can feel frustrating to watch your baby stand in the crib and refuse to lie down, this behavior is very common and (thankfully!) temporary. With the right approach, you can support your baby’s development and help sleep stay on track.
Why Babies Crawl or Stand in the Crib at Bedtime
Motor development and sleep often collide. As your baby learns how to move their body in new ways, their brain becomes highly stimulated, and they may want extra time to “practice”...even during the moments you expect them to settle.
Here’s why it happens:
- Motor skill “rehearsal”: When babies learn to crawl or pull up, the brain becomes wired for repetition. Practicing in the crib is their way of mastering the skill.
- Excitement and curiosity: Standing or crawling feels new and empowering. Bedtime becomes an opportunity to explore.
- Inability to get back down: Some babies can stand up but haven’t quite mastered sitting or lying down yet, leading to frustration (for them and you).
- Strengthening wake windows: As wake windows lengthen between 7–9 month sleep development, bedtime energy can increase.
This is not your baby testing limits or trying to give you a hard time. It’s developmental curiosity and excitement—and it passes.
How to Handle Crawling and Standing in the Crib
You don’t need to stop your baby from practicing these skills—you just need to respond in a calm, consistent way that supports both development and healthy sleep habits.
Here’s what helps most:
1. Let Them Explore (for a Few Minutes)
If your baby is content, safe, and happily crawling or pulling up, it’s okay to give them time. A few minutes of exploration can help the novelty wear off.
Example: Your baby stands up smiling and tapping the crib rail. If they’re calm, give them space to practice before you intervene.
2. Help Them Down Calmly (If Needed)
If your baby is stuck standing and can’t get back down, or they become frustrated, wait a few seconds before stepping in. Then:
- Gently guide them back to a seated or lying position
- Keep your expression neutral and calm
- Avoid playful reactions or lots of talking
A big reaction can unintentionally turn it into a game to your little one, which reinforces the behavior.
Example: If your baby whimpers because they can’t sit back down, go in, gently lower them, say a calm cue like “It’s sleep time,” and leave again.
3. Practice Skills During the Day
The more your baby practices crawling, pulling up, sitting down, and transitioning during wake windows, the less they’ll feel compelled to practice in the crib.
Offer:
- Lots of supervised floor time
- Play with push toys or stable furniture
- Opportunities to practice sitting down from standing
Key takeaway: Mastery during the day reduces practicing at night.
4. Stay Consistent With Your Routine
During this period, keep bedtime routines the same and a safe, supportive sleep environment in place. Avoid adding new sleep props like rocking or feeding to sleep, which can create sleep associations that require sleep training to resolve later.
Consistency sends a clear signal: “These skills are exciting, but bedtime is for resting.”
Remember: This Is Temporary
Skill-related sleep disruptions usually resolve once your baby masters:
- How to get into a standing position
- How to sit back down independently
- How to transition between positions confidently
Once these skills are solid, your baby will return to settling more quickly in the crib.
FAQ: Crawling or Standing in the Crib
As babies learn to crawl, pull up, and explore new movements, it’s completely normal for parents to have questions—especially when these new skills start showing up during naps or bedtime. Below are the most common questions families ask when their baby is standing or crawling in the crib instead of sleeping, along with clear, evidence-based answers to help you navigate this developmental phase with confidence.
Why is My Baby Standing in the Crib Instead of Sleeping?
Your baby is practicing new motor skills. Standing and crawling often appear during naps and bedtime because developmentally, the brain prioritizes skill rehearsal.
How Long Does This Phase Last?
It can last as long as it takes your baby to master the new skill. Plenty of practice during the day can help the process go faster.
Should I Intervene When My Baby is Standing in the Crib?
If your baby appears calm and content, allow them to explore a few minutes before helping them down calmly. If they seem upset or frustrated, you can intervene more quickly to help them back down.
What If My Baby Cries When They Can’t Get Back Down?
Pause briefly, then gently lower them without a big reaction. Keep interactions short and soothing.
Want Personalized Sleep Support? Poppins Can Help.
If you want expert guidance for building independent sleep skills or preparing for sleep training, Poppins offers:
- Customized bedtime routines
- Age-appropriate sleep schedules and wake windows
- Support for regressions, naps, and night wakings
- Evidence-based sleep training plans
Better sleep starts with the right foundation. We’ll help you build it. Schedule your free sleep consultation with one of our certified pediatric sleep consultants here.
