We speak to lots of parents who worry that once they’ve worked hard to get sleep on track, it’ll all unravel again. And the truth is, sometimes it does go off track, but usually for good reason. Developmental leaps, illness, travel, or even teething can throw a spanner in your little one’s sleep. But the good news? With consistency, your child will return to their usual sleep patterns in time.
In this blog we focus on the impact of developmental leaps on your little one’s sleep.
What are developmental leaps?
Developmental leaps are periods of rapid growth in your baby’s brain and body. During these leaps, your child may be learning new physical skills (like rolling or walking), grasping complex ideas (like object permanence), or experiencing new emotions. While it’s all part of healthy development, it can also affect sleep…
How developmental leaps disrupt sleep
When your baby is mastering new skills, you might see:
1. Increased night wakings
Their brains are working overtime! It’s not uncommon for babies to wake more frequently when they’re learning something new.
2. Nap resistance
Some children, especially toddlers, may start resisting naps. This is particularly common around age 2, when independence peaks and big developmental changes are underway.
Physical milestones that disrupt sleep: Rolling, crawling, standing, and walking
One of the biggest disruptions we see is when a baby learns to roll. Suddenly, they’re mobile – and they want to practice, even at 2am! If your baby can roll one way but not back again, they may get stuck and call out for help.
Tip: Practice makes perfect. Help them learn these new movements during the day so they’re less tempted to practice at night. For example, you can place your baby on a soft blanket and gently lift a corner to help them roll from tummy to back.
If you find your little one is stuck on their tummy overnight, go in calmly and turn them back over. Be very quiet, don’t engage in chatter or play, then leave. You can read about the Lullaby Trust’s safe sleeping guidelines here.
The same goes for crawling, pulling to stand, and walking. These new abilities can spark temporary sleep disturbances, but with lots of opportunity to practice during the day, they usually pass quickly.
Cognitive development and sleep
1. Language leaps
As your child starts to understand more and express themselves through words (often around 18-24 months), their brains are buzzing with new information. You might hear babbling during night wakings or see trouble settling at bedtime as they try to process their day. We have an amazing guest blog on language acquisition you can read here.
Object permanence or separation anxiety
Around 6-9 months, babies begin to understand object permanence, realising you still exist even when you leave the room. This leap can cause sudden clinginess or bedtime anxiety because they know you’re gone, and they don’t like it! Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of development.
Tip 1: Spend one-on-one time each day filling your child’s attention cup. Focus on 121 time doing things that they really enjoy for at least 20 minutes a day.
Tip 2: Try leaving the room and coming back or playing peek-a-boo so your little one knows you come back. Saying goodbye to your little one when you do leave them, is also important.
Tips to help when it comes to development leaps:
- Stick to your usual bedtime routine as it provides security and predictability.
- Give them lots of safe space and time during the day to practice new skills.
- Acknowledge and comfort their feelings, especially during moments of separation anxiety.
- Be consistent in how you respond to night wakings, even if sleep feels off for a while.
Finally…
Developmental leaps may be challenging, and sleep may take a hit temporarily, but these phases usually pass within a few days to a few weeks if you can be consistent. Keep in mind your little one is growing in amazing ways!
