How can I help my baby stand up?

Standing up is a very exciting skill for your little one. Now, they are able to see the world from a very different perspective than when they could only lay down. This stage is fundamental to giving their first steps later on. However, standing up requires great muscular strength, especially in the legs.

Usually, babies are able to stand up when they’re around 8 or 10 months. In the beginning, it’s normal for your little one to hold on to furniture or an adult’s hands. It’s important to help them out while they’re not able to stand up by themselves. Helping them doesn’t mean that they won’t be able to do it alone later on. On the contrary, this will make them feel confident and safe enough to try it alone after a while.

To stimulate and reinforce your baby’s skill to stand up, place some of their favorite toys on a couch or a high surface they can reach. Then, position your little one next to that surface, so that they can use it as support, stand up, and reach the toys.

Maybe when your little one acquires greater body control and can stand up for a few seconds, they’ll hold on to something and get anxious because they don’t know how to sit down again. However, we recommend you let them explore their options. At first, you can help them get up and down gently, but little by little you should let them do it by themselves, so that they can develop their autonomy and confidence.

Remember that while your baby learns how to stand up, it’s important to give them a safe environment where they can hold on to things and explore. Clear out the space around them and place several cushions or pillows for when they fall down. Maybe they’ll get scared because of it, but if you remain calm and give them all your love, they’ll stop being afraid of falling.

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During this stage, it’s very beneficial to let them explore their surroundings, roll, and drag themselves around because this will stimulate their curiosity to try new things. Keep stimulating your child so that they develop greater muscular strength, coordination, and balance. Also, remember to always be their greatest admirer, and cheer and celebrate each attempt and achievement.

If you want more information about this topic, read this article 🙂 

References:

• Developmental milestones: Standing
• Stand up
• When will my baby stand?