How to Encourage a Baby to Stand

If your baby doesn't seem to want to place any of his weight on his legs, there are several things you can do to encourage him to eventually stand on his own. With a little creativity and ingenuity, you can help your baby stand up and prepare him to walk.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Place a short table with several favorite toys on top of it in front of your baby. Make certain it is sturdy and has smooth edges. Encourage him to play with the toys while in a standing position.
2. Allow your baby to see other babies standing up. Babies often model their behavior after their peers, so if she sees a friend standing up or walking, she might want to give it a try too.
3. Avoid putting your baby in a bouncy seat, exersaucer or swing too often, as these devices position your baby in a seated position. The more unrestricted floor time you give your baby, the sooner he will learn to stand.
4. Hold your baby with her stomach pressed against a couch's back cushions and her feet on the couch's seat cushions. Place several toys on the back part of the couch and encourage her to play with them. Your baby will have so much interest in playing that she'll soon stand on her own without realizing it.
5. Provide him with a small box that he can push around, first while he is on his knees and, later, while he is standing.
6. Put your baby in your lap with her feet on your legs, and encourage her to bounce up and down. This will strengthen her muscles and encourage her to stand.
7. Invest in a colorful push toy your baby can move around a room while walking. While he firsts needs to master standing in front of it, demonstrating how to use the toy might provide him the encouragement he needs to get going.

Tips & Warnings

• While some babies can stand on their own and even walk by 9 months or earlier, many babies cannot. Do not force your young baby to try and stand on her own before talking with her pediatrician.
• When your baby can pull up to a stand in his crib, move his crib mattress to the lowest setting so he cannot topple out.