26/02/2026
Most babies show signs of sensory seeking now and then. That is, of course, completely normal. But if your baby is wriggling, kicking, arching, rolling around, or waking again and again, it can affect your baby’s sleep quality significantly.
Sensory seeking means your baby is looking for extra sensory input to the body in order to regulate and settle down. Their nervous system is still immature, so they can easily get overstimulated, which creates a need for regulation. And they can get that through rocking, bouncing, sucking, rubbing, pressing, chewing, twisting, etc.
It is their way of saying, “I need more input to feel my body, so I can settle down.”
And yes, it is normal. But normal can still be exhausting. Especially when you are the one doing the rocking for the fifth time that night.
The good news is that you can help. When you give your baby the right kind of sensory input during the day, their body often stops “starving” for it at bedtime. Many parents notice less motor restlessness, easier settling, and fewer wake ups, because the need for input has already been met.
In my online mini course, “DeveloBaby Sleep”, you will find all the best science backed exercises for baby sensory stimulation.
Simple, doable sensory activities that support your baby’s regulation and help sleep feel easier.
This weekend, you get 15% off with code GOODNIGHT15. Find it at www.develobaby.com or comment SLEEP below to receive a direct link.
With love,
Maria ♥️
(Your pediatric physical therapist from Denmark 🇩🇰)