Tips to Master Independent Standing

Standing is a gross motor skill that is the basis for higher level skills such as walking, running, jumping, etc.  It is typically developed by 10-13 months of age.  Here are a few at-home tips for supporting your child as they develop independence with standing.  Due to hip development avoid full and extensive weight bearing through legs until at least 7 months. 

The first part of learning how to stand is getting your child into the standing position! This usually requires the use of arms to help the child pull to stand. 

• Find a table or stable surface that is about chest height for your child (when standing). 
• Place a high value toy or treat (something that will motivate your child) to the back of the surface they are using to help stand.
• Starting in a tall kneeling position, help bring one foot out in front to a half kneel position. You can help encourage standing by using an upward force through the back/down leg. It is important note to let your child do as much as they can by themselves so they can build the strength in their legs.
• Once up in standing, encourage a slight knee bend if the child is standing with knees fully extended and locked out. 
• As they become more comfortable with this, encourage them to try and release 1 hand from the support surface by reaching for a toy. 

Once your child has conquered the pull-to-stand, it is time to start working on unsupported standing! There are a few different ways to work on this:

• Place your child in sitting position, either straddling your legs or sitting on your leg facing the middle so you can trap their knees between your legs. This helps the child feel more secure because they know you will catch them if they fall. Raise a high value motivation object, just out of reach from your child when they are sitting to encourage them to try and stand. Make sure to hold it out in front of them to encourage a forward weight shift! 
• Another option is to place your child in standing with their back supported against a wall. Try to have them move their body off the wall, by using a high value motivational tool for them to reach towards. 
• Lastly, try placing your child in the standing position. They can be holding on to something that will keep them distracted. Have your hands around their thighs, if your child looks like they are standing without difficulty, lower your hands to their knees. As they continue to get stronger and more stable, you will work your way down to low legs/ankles until they are standing independently! 

Have questions about your child’s development? Give our office a call – we are here to help!