Kneeling: A Pre-Walking Stage
Exhibit A.
When it comes to a baby's development, the focus often shifts from crawling to walking. However, it's essential not to overlook the significant milestones that occur between these two stages. One of the most under-appreciated but exciting phases is kneeling. This pre-walking skill not only helps babies develop the necessary strength in their hips and core for standing, but it also opens up a world of exploration and discovery. Let’s dive into the wonders of kneeling and provide practical tips to create ample opportunities for your baby to master this essential skill.
The Power of Kneeling
Kneeling, also known as "standing on knees," serves as a vital transition stage before babies take their first steps. This posture not only aids in developing the strength and stability required for standing but also sets the foundation for proper balance. The repeated motion of moving from sitting on their heels to standing on their knees strengthens their glute (hip and butt) muscles, supporting their overall lower body strength.
Strengthens hip and core muscles: The up-and-down movement involved in kneeling engages the hip and core muscles, contributing to the development of vital strength in these areas. As babies transition between sitting and standing on their knees, their glute muscles are continuously activated, building the necessary foundation for later movements and weight-bearing activities. This strengthening process prepares them for future milestones, such as standing and walking, by establishing a robust framework of support.
Enhances balance and coordination: Learning to balance on their knees is a significant step toward achieving overall balance and coordination. By practicing this posture, babies begin to understand how to stabilize their body while in an upright position. Balancing on their knees requires the engagement of various muscles, including the core and lower body, promoting better coordination and control. As they master this skill, they gradually progress towards standing and gain confidence in their ability to maintain stability.
Creating Opportunities for Kneeling: To facilitate your baby's kneeling development, it's important to provide them with ample opportunities to practice and explore their newfound skill. Here's a simple technique to encourage kneeling:
Try this:
Raise your baby's toys off the floor by placing them on a higher surface, and provide tall, supportive, objects for your baby to pull up on.
For example, remove a couch cushion and position their toys there. This setup encourages your baby to pull up onto their knees to access their toys, fostering the development of their kneeling ability. Ensure that the objects they pull up on are tall and supportive, offering a stable base for their exploration.
While walking is often the primary focus of developmental milestones, it's crucial to recognize and celebrate the crucial phase of kneeling that lies between crawling and walking. By understanding the benefits of kneeling, such as the strengthening of hip and core muscles and the advancement of balance and coordination, parents can actively support their baby's progress towards independent standing and walking. So, embrace the wonders of kneeling and create a stimulating environment that encourages your little one to explore and excel in this remarkable stage of development.
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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.
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