Supporting Independent Standing and Walking
Before your baby actually takes their first steps, you’ll notice a stage when they are hesitant to stand on their own without holding onto support (like the couch, their push toy, or your hands).
If you want to help your baby build confidence to stand on their own…
Try this:
Provide semi-stable support when they are standing or walking.
Three ways you can provide semi-stable support:
1. You can hold their hands loosely as they stand or walk. Think spaghetti hands.
2. While your baby is standing up, sit on the floor in front of them and read a book. Ask them to hold the book with you, but avoid directly holding onto your baby’s hands. This is one way to indirectly provide semi-stable support without providing direct support.
3. Similarly, hold hands with a teddy bear. You can hold one paw, while your baby stands and holds the other paw. The teddy bear creates semi-stable support between you and your baby.
This can help your baby transition from cruising to walking.
Check out the book…
P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.
When you shop using the links above, Physical Therapy for Infants earns a very small portion of what you spend at no additional cost to you.