How To Help Your Baby Stand: Our Top 5 Tips

Tips and toys to help your baby to stand up

One of the most common reasons babies visit our clinic is they are not pulling to stand at 12 months old. There is lots we can do to support these babies... but did you know there are some simple things you can try BEFORE your baby turns 1? 

Parents frequently bring their babies to our clinic because they are not pulling up to stand. Most babies reach this milestone by around 12 months old. If your baby is 1 and hasn't yet found their feet I would suggest an appointment with your local paediatric physiotherapist for some specific assessment and advice.

In the meantime here are some simple tips to help them on their way!

1. Set up your play space

Make sure your baby has lots of opportunities to pull up. The a really open mat play space is WONDERFUL for young babies but from around 9 months I would recommend creating opportunities for your baby to safely pull up as well. The couch, coffee table, ottoman, play table, bookshelf... just make sure they can't tip! This might also include baby proofing some corners or removing furniture that is not safe to pull up on. Remember that YES space we've talked about? We want to encourage getting up not have to race to intervene as your baby pulls up on something unsafe. 

2. Get the toys UP!

Once you have lots of lovely things to safely stand up try and create some incentive to explore by setting up some interesting toys up high.

Water play, magnets, suction toys, bubbles, musical instruments, puzzles and suspended balls are some of the simple play set ups we have photos, videos and tips for in our Walky Talky Baby Membership.

Try and set up the space so that if your baby has to stay on their feet if they want to continue to explore that toy. Small portable toys that are easily grasped and pulled to the floor can encourage your baby to sit and play instead. Sitting to play is ALSO great. There is nothing wrong with it, these tips are specifically for your baby if you are wanting to support them to stand MORE in play. 

3. Try different heights

If your baby isn't keen on standing at the couch or coffee table try something lower. An activity table or water table without the legs, an ottoman or a cardboard box can work well. 

4. Ditch the shoes

Use shoes only for protection from the cold or weather. Whenever possible keep your baby's feet bare so they can feel the ground and build the strength they need in all those tiny foot and ankle muscles. 

5. If using walkers put your baby behind not inside

Baby shops are full of the baby standers and walkers your baby is suspended inside (jolly jumper type products) 👎🙅‍♀️ I don't love them! 

Why? There is some evidence that they can contribute to developmental delay, they can lead to accidental injury.... but MAINLY they are a big, expensive piece of equipment and they don't help your baby learn to walk!

What can you use instead? Trolley walkers that your baby stands behind can save your back if you are sick of bending double holding their hands as they walk! Look for a walker...
❤️ That is heavy and sturdy at the bottom so it won't tip
❤️ That is tall enough so that your baby doesn't have to lean forward
❤️ That moves slowly so it doesn't run away from your baby...

💡 TIP: try loading up your walker with beanbags or using it on a different surface like grass or bricks if it is still slipping away from your baby too fast!

Learning to walk is A BIG milestone!

And standing play is SO important for getting there so it is a big priority in our Walky Talky Baby membership. 

In our core skills section we have pages with tons of tips photos and videos

• Preparing for standing
• Pulling up to stand
• Standing play
• Getting down from standing

Plus tons more on cruising and first steps when babies are ready to take off!

We also send our members Simple Play Tips at least once a fortnight that include very concrete ideas, photos and videos of how to use everything from everyday tasks like laundry through to toys, water play etc to encourage standing play. 

BUT that is sometimes still not enough and members want to check in with some specific advice for their home and baby. So we have an online village where they can share photos and videos and ask for advice! 

If this sounds like something you might like to share a part of we would love you to JOIN US 

Or please reach out with any questions about whether this is right for you

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