When do babies stand?

stand

Stand! Pulling up on furniture and standing on their own are exciting milestones your baby will master before taking their first steps. Most babies will pull to a standing between 9 and 12 months old, and will probably stand unsupported between 12 and 15 months old. But some babies take a little longer to find their footing and stand on their own two feet.

IN THIS ARTICLE

As your baby nears the end of their first year of life, they’ll work on standing – first supported by furniture, the crib rail, or your leg, and then on their own. Before your little one can take their first steps, they need to strengthen their muscles and work on their balance.

When do babies pull to a stand?

You can expect your baby to pull up to standing (with support) for the first time sometime between 9 and 12 months. Many babies will start reaching for furniture and pulling up to standing once they’ve mastered sitting and crawling (though some babies skip crawling completely).

Once they see their babies standing, many parents assume that walking is right around the corner. But babies often stand with support for weeks or even months before they take their first steps. Many will use furniture to cruise around the room before they work up the courage to let go and give standing unsupported – and taking a few steps – a try.

Your baby will probably stand unsupported, and start taking steps, between 12 and 15 months old.

Note: When babies first pull to a stand, they don’t know how to get back down again. It takes time for them to learn how to bend their knees and squat. Expect your baby to cry and need you to “rescue” them when they get stuck standing holding on to a crib rail or a piece of furniture. Unfortunately, this may happen repeatedly at bedtime or in the middle of the night.

How babies learn to stand

This big moment has been months in the making. Since birth, your baby has been increasing their strength and coordination slowly but steadily. Each new success helps them build the confidence they need to tackle their next challenge.

Birth to 2 months

Pulling up and standing might feel like a distant dream for your newborn baby, but they’re already building important skills necessary for movement.

As a newborn, your baby is probably spending a lot of their waking hours testing out their limbs. Floor time in a safe space (like on a play mat) gives your baby the chance to work on moving their tiny arms and legs.

By making tummy time a part of their daily routine, you’re helping your baby develop muscles in their neck, chest, and back. When they lift their head, even just for a moment or two, they’re getting stronger.

3 to 6 months

Your once immobile baby is probably starting to show off the physical leaps they’re making. Most 4-month-old babies have good head control, and some can push up on their hands while lying tummy-down.

At around 3 to 4 months old, many babies will roll over from their belly to their back. And as their half-birthday approaches, they’ll start to use their hands to “tripod,” or support their upper body in a sitting position.

Around 6 months old, many babies love to bounce on their legs while in a jumper. Or, you can support them while they bounce by holding them gently under their armpits. 

7 to 11 months

At 7 months old, most babies will support their weight on their legs when you hold them up with their feet on the floor. They’ll learn to sit without support, and then they may move on to crawling. Some babies will be able to use furniture to pull themselves up to standing now, but don’t worry if your baby needs more time.

12 to 18 months

As their confidence grows, your baby will start making their first attempts at walking. If they’re not already pulling up to standing, this will likely happen right around their first birthday. Many babies will be coasting through the house by their first birthday, as long as they have furniture (or a walking toy) to hang on to.

How to help your baby pull to a stand

Most babies decide they want to stand on their own, and will start pulling up to a stand with no encouragement from you. But you can help them strengthen their legs:

  • Give your baby plenty of free time on the floor. Bouncy seats and activity centers are great for keeping your baby safely occupied when you’re busy with a task, but too much time in a “container” limits your baby’s ability to move. Create a safe space where your little one can roll, practice tummy time, and eventually pull up to standing.
  • Provide secure furniture your baby can grab and pull up on. Be certain they’ve got access to items that won’t topple or fall under their weight.
  • Skip the shoes. Your baby relies on their senses to learn, including the sense of touch. Unless you’re headed out into the cold or an environment that requires protecting their feet from sharp objects, keep your baby barefoot until they’re able to walk.
  • Don’t forget babyproofing. Once your baby is standing, they’re sure to topple every now and then. Adjust their crib mattress to the lowest setting, cover sharp corners, and make sure bookcases, TVs, and dressers are secured to the wall.

What if your baby isn’t standing

Every baby reaches developmental milestones at their own pace, and there’s a wide range of normal when it comes to when your baby will stand. But if your baby isn’t pulling up to a stand by 12 months old, tell their pediatrician. They may want to screen for a developmental delay.

After your baby pulls to a stand, what’s next?

After your baby’s standing, they’ll be excited to give new movement skills a try.

  • Many babies will start cruising by holding on to furniture while they navigate around the room.
  • Your baby might take their first steps between 9 and 12 months, but many won’t take first steps until 15 months and won’t walk until they’re 18 months old.
  • Around 16 months, your baby may try climbing stairs or climb up onto the couch.
  • By age 2, your toddler will be running, jumping, and kicking.

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