Baby keeps standing in the cot

What to do if baby keeps standing up in the cot?

So your baby has started to pull to stand up and you are so proud! 

That is, until they start to do it in their cot throughout the night.

This is a HUGE milestone for your child. Can you imagine if you spent most of your life on your hands and knees or on your back and then all of a sudden you can stand up? The whole world looks completely different! It’s amazing for babies and they just want to practice this ALL THE TIME!

They do go through a phase where they are able to pull themselves up on to the cot bar and they lock their knees, but don’t know how to get back down. I imagine it must be kind of scary for them, and when they get help laying back down, they think, “Hey, I want to practice that again. That was kind of fun.”

Plenty of practice in the day

I would recommend you practice a lot during the day. For example, when she/he pulls herself up onto the couch, take a toy, put it close to him/her on the floor and out of reach so they have to get down and crawl over to it.

You may even have to take one of their hands, guide them and help encourage them to crawl to get the toy. When reaching this, make sure you make a big deal of  by clapping, singing and shouting YAY!

Even try the game Ring around the rosy, this helps with the up and down motion. Any game similar to this would be good to help them get lots of practise in during the day.

Is it safe for babies to stand up in cot?

Is it safe for baby to keep standing up in the cot?

Keep cot empty. Safe sleep is so important. No need to add cot bumpers or loose bedding.

Check out my safe sleep checklist. Alternatively please read through Red safe sleep recommendations. https://rednose.org.au/article/red-nose-six-safe-sleep-recommendations

How do you sleep train a baby who keeps standing up?

Use a sleeping bag if you havnt already. This limits the ability to stand up. Stay calm and supportive through this process as she/he is learning this new skill. We want to keep them safe, but we want them to know they they can do this.

Are you worried they might climb out?Adjust the mattress height. Its time to adjust the cot mattress to the lowest position. To prevent bub from falling, aim for the top rail to hit midchest when baby is in standing position.

Stay consistent. Don’t throw away all the healthy sleep habits. No need to stop your normal routine. At the same time give yourself and your little one time and grace. This is temporary it will pass soon.

Need a little guidance? Check out my sleep guides – Sleep And Nutrition Guides I will give you practical ideas to implement today at a small cost.