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When do babies stand can be a common query among parents and caregivers since they want to know if there is any delay. Motor skills including the ability to ambulate have a key role in development, and it allows independent movements in infants.Crawling, rolling, standing, walking, running, and jumping are common motor skills, and a baby reaches these milestones at various stages of their development. Knowing when babies stand can help the parents ensure that their baby meets the milestone on time.
Read on to know the answer for when do babies stand, signs of readiness to stand, and ways to stimulate it.
Key Pointers
- To gain muscle strength for standing, your baby should reach various milestones, such as rolling, crawling, and sitting.
- Babies start standing between 8 and 12 months and are become independent by 18 months.
- If your infant cannot stand or walk without assistance by 12 months, it could be a sign of developmental delay.
- You can support your baby to stand in the beginning to encourage them.
Is Your Baby Ready To Stand?
Image: IStock
Getting ready to stand is a gradual process and involves the prior achievement of several motor skills. It is considered as one of the most significant milestones in baby’s first year, and it indicates your baby will achieve different milestones, such as rolling, sitting, getting on all fours, crouching, and crawling, which will develop muscle strength and coordination required for standing.
The following are some essential gross motor skills and the ages at which a baby would generally achieve them (1) (2).
- Four months: May roll from tummy to back
- Six months: Rolls from tummy to back and back to tummy, and sits without support
- Nine months: Gets into sitting position and starts crawling
Once your baby sits and begins to crawls, you can expect them to stand up as they grow older. Besides, there are other signs that may indicate that the baby is ready for standing.
- Scooting on the floor
- Bearing weight on legs when held upright
- Kneeling and trying to pull and lift feet to stand
- Showing interest in standing and grasping objects that are kept at a height
When Do Babies Usually Stand?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), babies learn to stand between the ages of eight and 12 months. The baby becomes completely independent at standing between the ages of 12 and 18 months (2).
The achievement of standing happens in phases. The following are the various standing-related milestones and signs of physical developments in infants. The usual age range of achievement.
- 6 to 8 months: The baby can stand when held but may not support their entire body weight on their feet, so you need to hold them so they don’t sway and fall. Most babies tend to bounce on their legs when held in the standing position.
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- 9 to 11 months: The infant begins to pull to stand and even stand while they hold on to a support. When held in a standing position by a parent, the baby may wobble but they will be able to support most of their body weight on their legs.
Mother of an 11-month-old, Phillippa Banister shares that even though her baby couldn’t stand properly, she tried to do so in her own ways. “She has, in her own way, begun to move. In a variety of yoga-inspired moves (yoga started with babies, right?!), she leans over with one leg poised to push herself forward but the other trapped in front. A pigeon pose, if you will… but she does still manage to move from one place to another, at times without any evidence of how she did! She slides, she shuffles, she leans — doubling over to reach a colorful block or plant leaf that’s just out of reach (or not!) (i),” she says.
- 12 to 17 months: It is the age when toddlerhood begins. The toddler will pull to stand and may toddle, that is, take a few unsteady steps while holding on to objects for support. Some toddlers may even take a few wobbly steps without holding on. However, the toddler may not stand or engage in toddling for too long.
- 18 months: The toddler is now adept at standing and walking without support for a longer duration. Some toddlers may walk up a flight of stairs and run.
Image: Shutterstock
Each child is different and may achieve these milestones at a different age. Do not panic if your baby’s motor skills do not match up with their peers. Speak to a pediatrician if you have any doubts.
If the baby has a healthy growth and has achieved all of their previous developmental milestones, they will eventually attain the ability to stand. Nevertheless, it is good to know any signs of developmental delay.
Point to considerSigns Of Delayed Development
Since the ability to stand requires the achievement of different motor skills, you need to check the delay of other motor skills, too. Below is the list of the possible red flags that may indicate developmental delay at different ages (3) (4).
| By 9 months |
|
|---|---|
| By 12 months |
|
| By 18 months |
|
If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs, do not hesitate to speak to a pediatrician. Early intervention could help in the timely diagnosis and treatment of any developmental delay.
How To Encourage Infants To Stand On Their Own?
Most babies achieve various motor skills through the course of their growth and may not require any help. Nevertheless, parents can exercise and stimulate a baby’s motor skills to help them develop better.
Below are a few tips that you may consider to encourage a baby to move forward and elevate their ability to stand on their own.
- Tummy time: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies need tummy time to develop strong muscles (5). It lays the foundation for various motor skills. Newborns can play on their tummy for about five minutes multiple times a day. As the baby grows older, you can increase the amount of tummy time.
Image: IStock
- Support standing: Once the baby is six months old, you can hold them upright in a standing position. Support the baby by placing your hands under their arms. Encourage the baby to bounce on their legs while their feet are on the ground. It makes for a good exercise for their leg muscles.
- Encourage pull to stand: A baby will pull to stand from the age of nine months. Place sturdy furniture and toys that can bear the baby’s weight and allow them to stand while taking support. Research shows that the baby is likely to stand without support for longer when given an attractive toy to hold as encouragement (6).
Quick tip- Play games: You can try several games and activities that would require the baby to pull to stand or stand in one place without support. For instance, you may hold a toy at a height that would require them to stand and reach out for it.
Image: Shutterstock
- Support cruising: A 12-month-old will cruise, that is, walk with support. You can encourage cruising by holding the toddler’s hand and supporting them while they walk. Keep the baby barefoot when cruising indoors since it will help the little one learn how to balance, stabilize, and stand on their feet better.
Before trying any activity, make sure you baby-proof your house. Keep sharp and other dangerous objects away from the baby’s reach. Also, avoid placing heavy showpieces that may fall down when the baby pulls to stand while holding a piece of furniture. There are several toys that let a baby pull to stand. Make sure the toy can support the baby’s weight. Never use baby walkers since it may topple and cause accidents (7).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can standing too early cause my baby to be bow-legged?
No scientific studies indicate that standing too early causes a baby to become bow-legged. It is just a myth.
2. How long after pulling up to stand do babies walk?
Babies usually start pulling themselves up by the time they are nine to 12 months. By the time they are 12 months, they will start walking (8).
3. What are the risks associated with a baby standing on their own?
Standing independently is a significant milestone in a baby’s development. However, as babies begin to stand on their own, they become more susceptible to falls, which can result in bumps and bruises. In addition, excessive or prolonged standing can strain their joints and muscles, affecting their structural development. Furthermore, babies standing on their own may reach out for objects, which could pose a choking hazard.
4. What equipment do I need to purchase in order to help my baby stand on their own?
You can assist your baby in learning to stand on their own without needing specialized equipment. However, to provide additional support and safety, you may consider acquiring a few items, such as an activity center, a standing push toy, and soft floor mats. Also, it’s important to remember that adult supervision is crucial during these activities.
5. What do you do when the baby falls?
It’s normal for a baby to experience falls while learning to stand. In the initial stages, they might only stand for a short moment. To ensure their safety during this learning phase, provide soft surfaces for practice, avoid stairs, stay close, and keep them away from hard or sharp objects. Unless there’s an evident injury or immediate need for assistance, remaining calm is key. When parents stay composed, babies often follow suit. Allow the baby a moment to regather themselves, and then encourage them to resume their exploration and development.
6. How can I keep my baby safe while they learn to stand?
Create a soft play area to cushion any falls and keep sharp or hard objects out of reach. Always watch your baby closely, and let them hold onto strong, stable furniture or toys for support.
7. What should I do if my baby shows signs of developmental delay?
If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, consult a pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby’s progress and recommend helpful activities or therapies to support their growth.
It is a significant milestone for babies to learn to stand by themselves. Parents of young babies may often ask themselves “When do babies stand?” Standing is an essential motor skill and is a first step towards the lifelong journey of walking, running, dancing, and much more. Each baby takes their own time to reach their milestone. Do not worry if your baby is delayed by a few weeks. However, if you are very concerned about them not standing, you may consult a pediatrician. The doctor may guide you through various exercises and activities that can assist your child to achieve the milestone sooner.
Infographic: Useful Tips To Encourage Your Infant To Stand For The First Time
As soon as your baby starts crawling, you will eagerly wait for them to stand independently. But while you wait for that to happen, there are some strategies you may try to encourage them to stand. Check out the infographic below for tips to help your baby stand by themselves for the first time.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Illustration: When Do Babies Stand On Their Own And How To Encourage Them
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Learn the safest, most effective way to help your baby stand with this helpful video! Get tips on how to encourage your baby to stand and develop their motor skills.
Personal Experience: Source
MomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
i. On learning to stand on two feet;https://phillybanister.medium.com/on-learning-to-stand-on-two-feet-bfc2e64aee3c
References
1. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Four Months; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
2. Milestone Moments; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
3. Red Flags Early Identification Guide; Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service
4. Important Milestones: Your Baby By Nine Months; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
5. Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play; American Academy of Pediatrics
6. Laura J. Claxton, et al.; Newly Standing Infants Increase Postural Stability When Performing a Supra-Postural Task; NCBI
7. Baby Walkers: A Dangerous Choice; American Academy of Pediatrics
8. When Do Babies Start Walking; Cleveland Clinic
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