Standing is an important milestone for babies. This is a typical milestone that needs strong hip, leg, and core muscles. These muscles also play a vital role in getting your baby to roll, sit, crawl and even run later. One of the ways you can help your baby to stand is by helping them to strengthen these muscles. Here are the top 5 tips to encourage babies to stand.
It is important for parents to remember that, while most babies are able to stand on their own, a little help and encouragement go a long way in developing a baby’s courage and confidence. Your baby may be able to achieve this milestone even earlier with a little support from you.
In This Article
- At What Age Should Babies be Able to Stand?
- How Do You Help Babies Learn to Stand?
- Top 5 Tips to Encourage Babies to Stand
- When Should I Worry if My Baby Doesn’t Stand?
- FAQ’s
At What Age Should Babies be Able to Stand?
Babies hit the standing milestone in two phases – standing without support and standing with support.
Initially, babies begin to grab a piece of furniture, their caregiver’s hand, or anything at their reach to lift themselves for standing around. Once they get comfortable, they will learn to stand without support too.
Here is an age-wise breakup of when your babies will be able to stand.
7 to 9 Months
This is an age when most babies stand for the first time with support. Standing is a major milestone that requires body strength and proper coordination. Once your baby is able to stand, you can tick off a major milestone from your little one’s list.
9 to 12 Months
Around this time, some babies will be able to stand without support. But remember, don’t expect them to stand for more than a few seconds.
In addition, not all babies can reach these milestones at the ages given above. Some babies may be a little delayed, especially when they are born premature. Some babies may take longer than 12 months to stand up without support for a couple of seconds and it’s nothing to worry about. Do talk to your doctor if you feel that your baby is getting too delayed with the standing milestone. They will be able to let you know if this is normal or if your baby needs any evaluation.
[Read : When Do Babies Stand Up Without Support?]
How Do You Help Babies Learn to Stand?
Because you truly wish the best for your baby’s safety, ensure these things before helping them to stand up.
- The ‘training ground’ for your infant’s standing lessons should only be soft surfaces at the beginning.
- The soft surfaces should be made on the ground. Bed or couches should be avoided because of their height.
- You must be nearby.
- Keep sharp or hard objects out of their reach.
Top 5 Tips to Encourage Babies to Stand
Apply the following simple tips to make the magical milestone come to reality.
1. Dangle a Carrot
Place your baby’s favorite toy, transitional object or lovey on top of furniture or a couch. Not only will they stand up to save their toy, but they will also stay in that position. This will be excellent for their balancing skills.
2. Encourage Your Baby to Cruise
Cruising or taking steps with the help of furniture or any support is the most common way for babies to learn walking. Cruising will not only strengthen your baby’s muscles but will also give them the confidence to stand without support. Make sure that the furniture is sturdy and low in height for your infant to use as a support. Moreover, bookshelves, dressers and other tall pieces must be secured to the wall to avoid any accidents. Low-height furniture will be easily accessible to your baby and encourage your little one to try and stand.
[Read : Baby Cruising]
3. Offer Your Baby the Right Kind of Support
Don’t give them baby walkers as support or your hands. If you do this, you can easily notice that they will try to walk with a little tilt. They will have to unlearn this at later stages. Instead, support their trunk with your hands.
4. Allow Barefoot Walking
Keep your baby barefoot to allow them ‘feel’ different ground surfaces and balance themselves accordingly. Without shoes, they can feel a variety of surfaces and adjust the movement of their muscles, joints, and posture.
5. Give Them Loads of Exercise
Let them bounce up and down on a beat while you hold their hands. You will be amazed to see your baby liking music so much. Bouncing will strengthen their leg and core muscles with some added fun.
When Should I Worry if My Baby Doesn’t Stand?
Some babies learn to stand without help near 8 months of age. Many times, it may even stretch to 11 months, and it’s okay. But paediatricians recommend giving them a visit if a baby takes more than 15 months to stand.
Hold no smiles, laughs and claps within yourself while you see them trying to stand. All these hearty rewards will make them understand that standing is a fantastic thing.
FAQ’s
1. Is it Normal For a 12 Month Old to Not Stand up?
Yes, it’s normal. You should wait for at least 15 months before you consider visiting your doctor.
2. How Can I Encourage Baby to Stand?
Hand them a toy as they stand. They will feel as if they are holding something, and they will try to stand unassisted.
3. What Do You Do When Baby Stands in Crib?
The space above their crib should be free, which means no toys attached to it. And its edges should be tall for their safety.
