It is a common milestone struggle: just when you think you’ve mastered a sleep routine, your 6-to-9-month-old begins rolling, army crawling, or trying to pull themselves up in the middle of the night. This burst of physical development often leads to frequent night wakings as the baby practices their new skills during the hours meant for rest.

First, know that this is a normal developmental phase. As your little one becomes more mobile, their brain is busy processing these new movements. To manage the exhaustion, try these strategies:

• Prioritize Daytime Tummy Time: Encourage plenty of floor time and movement during the day. Allowing your baby to practice rolling, sitting, and crawling while they are awake helps burn off that physical energy and satisfies the urge to 'practice' during the day rather than at 2:00 AM.
• Stay Consistent with Your Routine: While it’s tempting to change everything when sleep is disrupted, keeping your bedtime routine steady provides security.
• The 'Reset' Approach: When your baby wakes up and starts moving, wait a moment before rushing in. If they are safe, give them a chance to settle back down on their own. If they are frustrated, offer gentle comfort without stimulating them with lights or play.
• Consider Sleep Training: If the wakings become unsustainable for your mental health, some parents find success with age-appropriate sleep training methods. This can help the baby learn the skill of self-settling, even when they have the urge to move at night.

Most importantly, remember that this phase is temporary. As their motor skills become more 'routine' to them, their sleep cycles will naturally settle again. If you feel overwhelmed, prioritize your own rest during the day whenever possible.