When Should My Baby Start Standing?
Babies will typically begin pulling themselves to stand between 9-12 months or even earlier and begin standing independently around 12+ months. They will usually perform when core, hip, and leg muscles are strong enough to begin supporting themselves. These muscles are strengthened with previous milestones such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and lots of tummy time. Babies will usually attempt this activity when looking for a toy or other object of interest on an elevated surface. They will often reach for a piece of nearby furniture or someone’s hand to provide support while pulling to stand.
So what are some ways you can help assist your baby in pulling to stand and standing?
Play with baby on all fours and in kneeling position to promote core and hip/ leg strengthening for improved balance in standing.
Have your child interact and play with older siblings/ friends that are already standing.
Your baby will often begin by pulling to kneeling position. Place a toy on slightly elevated surface at arms height and assist baby in reaching for toy. Once your baby is able to pull up into kneeling position, assist at trunk and hips to transition into half kneel position and encourage play.
When baby can reach toy in half kneeling position, place toy on higher, stable surface such as a couch, low chair, or activity table and encourage them to pull to toy on higher surface.
To promote standing independently, start by giving baby smaller, light toys to interact with as they remove support from surface.
When your baby begins to pull to stand and stand supported or unsupported, they may not have the best balance. Always make a safe space to play while learning new skills.
Create a soft surface underneath them with cushions or pillows to allow them to fall on if they lose balance.
Stay close to support them if they begin to fall.
Make sure the surface they are pulling to is stable or secured to the wall.
Have baby stand on the ground to reduce risk of falling from elevated surfaces.
If your baby is having difficulties pulling to stand or you have concerns with their motor milestones, reach out to your pediatrician or pediatric physical therapist for a further evaluation. As always, if you have any questions, you can email Dr. Haley, PT directly at Haley@setinmotionphysicaltherapy.com