is it ok if my child falls asleep standing or sitting up in their crib?

Babies and toddlers do strange things sometimes. And one of them is refusing to lay down when it is time for bed. As an adult, it may seem wacky or even concerning that your child doesn’t want to lay down and get comfortable to sleep, yet it is fairly normal and common, especially during sleep training when you are changing their sleeping habits to begin with. 

Let’s dig into understanding why it happens as to alleviate your concerns and provide insight into your child’s sleep development.

The Developmental Stage

First, let’s talk about what’s going on from a developmental perspective. By the time your baby reaches around 6 to 9 months, they start hitting some important motor milestones, such as rolling, sitting, and eventually standing. As they become more mobile and gain control of their muscles, you may notice them trying out different positions during nap time or at bedtime, including standing or sitting up in their crib.

When babies or toddlers are in the process of mastering these new skills, they often have trouble relaxing enough to fall asleep in the way they’re accustomed to. In fact, they might be so focused on the task at hand (like standing) that they just end up falling asleep mid-action! These sleep disruptions due to your baby practicing a new physical skills (which babies happen to love to practice during the night) are often what is known as a regression.

Why Does This Happen?

1. Motor Skills Development

   
   

   As mentioned, the key factor here is motor development. When children are learning to stand or sit, their body is figuring out how to transition between these positions and support itself in new ways. Sometimes, a child may be so tired that they fall asleep in whatever position they're in at the moment, whether that's sitting up or standing.

   
   

2. Overstimulation or Overtiredness

   
   

   Sometimes, children who are overtired or overstimulated have a harder time winding down for sleep. When they reach this point, their bodies may resist the relaxation process, and they might try standing or sitting up in an effort to stay alert. Once their bodies have reached the point of exhaustion, they can unexpectedly fall asleep in these upright positions. 

   
   

3. Comfort and Familiarity

   
   

   For some children, the comfort of being upright may be what they need to relax, especially if they’ve become accustomed to being in a certain position during the day (for example, sitting up to play or be held). Your baby or toddler might find that it’s easier to doze off while standing because this position feels natural to them at that particular moment.

   
   

4. Teething or Discomfort

   
   

   Teething or general discomfort can cause children to shift around and adopt unusual positions to find relief. While it’s not ideal for them to fall asleep standing up, it can be a coping mechanism for managing teething pain or other discomforts they’re experiencing.

What Should You Do About It?

In most cases, there is no need to panic if your child falls asleep standing or sitting up in their crib. However, if this behavior is causing concern, here are a few tips to consider:

1. Ensure Proper Sleep Environment

   
   

   Make sure your child’s crib is safe and free from any hazards that could pose a risk when they fall asleep in an unusual position. If your child is standing, it’s important to make sure there are no objects or potential obstacles that could cause harm if they were to fall.

   
   

2. Create a Calming Bedtime Routine

   
   
   
   
   
   

   

   To help ease the transition from awake to asleep, focus on creating a calming bedtime routine. A consistent, soothing routine can help signal to your child that it's time to wind down, reducing their desire to stand or move around in their crib.

   
   

3. Watch for Overstimulation

   
   

   If your child is standing in their crib because they’re too overstimulated or overtired, it might be time to adjust their sleep schedule. Watch for signs that your child is ready for sleep, such as rubbing eyes, yawning, or becoming fussy. Catching them before they become overtired can help prevent restlessness at bedtime.

   
   

4. Gradually Help Them Adjust to Lying Down

   
   

   If your child regularly falls asleep sitting or standing, you can gently encourage them to lie down. When you notice them about to fall asleep in an upright position, you might try laying them back down gently while saying something comforting like, “It’s time to lie down and sleep.” Over time, your child will likely get the hang of transitioning to a lying-down position when it's time to sleep.

   
   

5. Stay Patient

   
   

   Remember, this phase is usually temporary and part of your child’s natural development. They’ll likely stop falling asleep while standing or sitting as they become more accustomed to settling into a lying-down position for sleep.

Common Concerns Parents Have When Their Child Falls Asleep Standing or Sitting Up

It’s completely understandable to feel concerned when your child falls asleep in a position that seems uncomfortable or unnatural. Parents often worry about a few things such as whether their child might hurt themselves by falling over, whether their airway will be compromised (by being slouched over), or whether this is a sign of a sleep disorder. 

The good news is that, in most cases, these concerns are not founded. Falling asleep while standing or sitting does not typically result in injury, as toddlers and babies are generally very resilient and will often transition to a more comfortable position on their own once they fall asleep deeply. Children are incredibly adaptable, and their bodies are designed to handle a variety of sleep positions without lasting harm.  PRO-TIP: help your baby/toddler learn and understand how the mechanics of such transitions work during the daytime by practicing: When your child is standing, gently and playfully push poke them so they either fall or sit. They ill eventually learn how to get from standing to sitting to laying.

Another common concern parents may have is whether their child’s airway could be compromised while sleeping in a standing or sitting position. Unless your child has physical delays which impact their head/neck movement (or are a newborn under 12 weeks), your child’s airway is protected via the automatic nervous system. Children have the mobility and flexibility to adjust their bodies as needed, and they instinctively move into positions that allow for proper airflow and oxygen intake, even if they initially fall asleep in an upright position. If you are still concerned, always check with your child's pediatrician.

As for sleep disorders, it’s important to differentiate between developmental phases and actual sleep problems. If your child is otherwise healthy, eating well, and developing appropriately, this behavior is usually just part of their motor skill development.   However, if your child seems to be in distress or is unable to transition to a more comfortable sleeping position, or if you're noticing other unusual sleep patterns or behaviors (such as jerking or struggling to breathe during sleep) it’s always a good idea to check in with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues such as Sleep Apnea. 

When to Be Concerned

Though it's typically not a cause for concern, there are a few scenarios where you should reach out to me, a sleep consultant, or your pediatrician for further guidance:

• Frequent night wakings: If your child is constantly waking up at night and standing in their crib, it could be a sign of discomfort or a sleep association issue that needs addressing.

  
  

• Falling over while standing: If your child is struggling to balance and frequently falls while standing in the crib, it might be worth discussing with your pediatrician (not to be confused with tripping or not able to walk in a sleep sack).

  
  

• Sleep regression: If your child is consistently falling asleep in a standing position and you notice other signs of sleep regression (frequent night wakings, increased difficulty with naps), it might be time to reassess their sleep environment and routine.

Conclusion

In most cases, falling asleep while standing or sitting in their crib is a completely normal part of your child’s development. It reflects their growing motor skills and curiosity about the world around them. With a little patience and consistency, your child will eventually transition to lying down as their primary sleep position. If you’re ever unsure or concerned about your child’s sleep patterns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a pediatric sleep consultant or your pediatrician for personalized advice.

Remember, every child’s sleep journey is unique, and this stage is just another step on the road to healthy, restful sleep! If your patience has run out or you are ready to make lasting changes with your child's sleep, let's get on a free evaluation call and talk about how we can get your child sleeping better (and laying down!).