š¶How Parents Can Help Their Baby Reach Important Milestones
Support, Sleep, and Sensory Play with Lisa Rietzke, RN & Pediatric Sleep Coach
Watching your baby roll over, sit up, babble, or crawl for the first time is pure magic. ⨠But behind every adorable āfirstā is a foundation of developmental support, healthy sleep habits, and intentional playtime. As a parent, you play a powerful role in helping your baby reach these important milestonesāwith love, patience, and the right support system.
At Sleepytime by Lisa, founder Lisa Rietzke, RN and pediatric sleep coach, partners with parents to create developmentally supportive routines that help babies thriveāday and night. š
š§ What Are Baby Milestones?
Baby milestones are the physical, emotional, and cognitive skills most children develop by a certain age. These include:
⢠š¼ Smiling and cooing
⢠š Rolling over
⢠𧷠Sitting up
⢠š¾ Crawling
⢠š¬ Babbling and first words
⢠š£ First steps
While every baby develops at their own pace, consistent routines, age-appropriate stimulation, and restorative sleepcan help your child reach each milestone with ease.
š 5 Ways Parents Can Support Milestone Development
1. š¤ Prioritize Sleep (Yes, Really!)
Sleep isnāt just for parentsāitās essential for babiesā brain development and motor skills. During deep sleep, babies process new information and consolidate learning. Thatās why Lisa Rietzkeās mission at Sleepytime by Lisa starts with gentle, evidence-based infant sleep training.
š¬ āWhen a baby is overtired or overstimulated, their ability to meet developmental milestones can actually slow down,ā Lisa says. āSleep restores the brain and resets the body.ā
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Establish a bedtime routine
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Use age-appropriate nap schedules
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Work with a sleep consultant for individualized support
2. š§ø Encourage Tummy Time
Tummy time helps babies build neck, shoulder, and core strengthāessential for crawling, sitting, and walking. Start with just a few minutes a day and build up gradually.
Tips:
⢠Use mirrors and soft toys for engagement
⢠Lay baby across your lap for comfort
⢠Make it part of your play routine
3. š£ļø Talk, Sing, and Read Together
Language development begins long before babyās first words. Narrate your day, sing lullabies, and read picture booksāeven if it feels one-sided at first. š¬ Repetition, tone, and expression help your baby absorb language and begin forming their own sounds.
4. šļø Practice Fine Motor Skills
Offer safe, graspable toys like soft blocks, fabric books, and silicone teethers to help your baby develop hand-eye coordination. Simple activities like letting your baby feed themselves mashed bananas also boost independence and dexterity.
5. š£ Create a Milestone-Friendly Daily Routine
Lisaās customized sleep and activity plans include built-in time for play, feeding, and bonding. Predictable routines reduce stress and support steady growthāphysically and emotionally.
š Sample schedule for a 6-month-old:
ā¢ š„£ Morning wake + feeding
⢠š¶ Tummy time/play
⢠š¤ Morning nap
⢠š Story time or music
⢠š¤ Afternoon nap
⢠šæ Bath & wind-down before bedtime
Need help building a schedule that works for your baby? Lisaās here to help. š
š Lisa Rietzkeās Mission: Whole-Baby Wellness Through Sleep & Structure
As a registered nurse, pediatric sleep consultant, and mother of four, Lisa Rietzke understands the big picture of parenting. At Sleepytime by Lisa, her mission is to help families find peace through:
⢠Custom sleep plans
⢠Developmentally appropriate routines
⢠Compassionate, hands-on guidance
Her holistic approach supports babies in reaching their full potentialāwhile helping tired parents reclaim rest and confidence.
š Serving families in Chicago, Milwaukee, and beyond
š Book your FREE sleep consult now: www.sleepytimebylisa.com
š¤ Every Milestone Starts with Rest
Before babies can move, speak, or explore their world, they need a calm, well-rested body and mind. With Lisaās expertise in sleep and development, youāre not just tracking milestonesāyouāre supporting them.
šÆ Want to build a personalized plan to support your babyās next big leap?
⨠Let Lisa help you get started today: Schedule your free consult