Learning to roll, Crawl & Walk - How Milestones Affect Sleep
If your baby’s sleep has suddenly changed, but they aren’t sick or teething, a developmental milestone might be the culprit. Rolling, crawling, standing, and walking are all exciting (and exhausting!) new skills—but they can also disrupt sleep. In this post, we’ll explore why developmental milestones impact sleep and what you can do to help your baby get back on track.
Why Do Milestones Disrupt Sleep?
When babies learn a new skill, they get excited! Their brain is busy processing and practicing, even when they should be sleeping. This can lead to:
Increased night wakings – Your baby might wake up more frequently to practice their new skill.
Shorter naps – They may struggle to settle for naps or wake up early.
Difficulty falling asleep – Rolling, sitting, or standing in the crib instead of sleeping.
Frustration or fussiness – They might cry because they’re “stuck” in a position they can’t get out of yet.
How Each Milestone Affects Sleep
Rolling Over (Around 3-6 Months)
Rolling is often the first big physical milestone that impacts sleep. Many babies start rolling from back to tummy first, but they might get stuck and cry for help. If your baby was previously swaddled, this is also when you’ll need to stop swaddling or change to a transition swaddle.
What to Do:
✔ Practice rolling during the day so your baby gets better at moving both ways.
✔ If they roll onto their tummy at night, let them stay there if they’re comfortable and can roll back.
✔ Use a transition swaddle instead of a swaddle to allow movement while keeping them cozy.
Crawling (Around 6-10 Months)
Crawling babies are on the move and eager to explore! This can make bedtime harder because they want to practice their new skill instead of sleeping. You may also notice separation anxiety kicking in around this time, leading to extra clinginess at bedtime.
What to Do:
✔ Allow plenty of crawling time during the day to burn off energy.
✔ Maintain a consistent bedtime routine to signal that it’s time for sleep.
✔ Offer extra comfort if needed, but avoid starting new sleep habits you don’t want to continue.
Standing & Pulling Up (Around 8-12 Months)
Many parents find their baby standing in the crib instead of sleeping! Some babies stand up but don’t know how to sit back down, leading to frustration and crying.
What to Do:
✔ Help your baby practice sitting back down during the day so they can do it on their own at night.
✔ Avoid rushing in immediately—give them a chance to figure it out.
✔ If they’re really stuck and upset, gently help them lie down without making it too stimulating.
Walking (Around 10-18 Months)
Walking is a huge milestone, and babies often go through a sleep regression when they’re learning. They might be extra active at bedtime, wake up more at night, or resist naps.
What to Do:
✔ Give them lots of time to practice walking during the day.
✔ Stick to a predictable nap and bedtime schedule.
✔ Be patient—this phase usually passes once the novelty wears off.
How to Get Sleep Back on Track
Keep routines consistent – Even if sleep is disrupted, try to keep wake times, naps, and bedtime predictable.
Offer extra comfort but don’t start new habits – It’s okay to provide extra reassurance, but avoid rocking, feeding, or holding to sleep if you don’t want to continue it long-term.
Encourage daytime practice – The more your baby practices their new skill while awake, the less likely they are to practice in the crib.
Be patient – Most sleep disruptions from milestones last 1-3 weeks and resolve on their own.
Final Thoughts
Developmental milestones are an exciting (but sometimes exhausting) part of your baby’s growth. While they can temporarily disrupt sleep, consistency and patience will help your baby adjust. If sleep struggles persist beyond a few weeks, it might be time to look at sleep habits and routines to help your little one get back on track.