When Do Babies Stand? 8 Signs Your Baby Might Stand Soon
The biggest joys of parenting involve witnessing your baby’s exciting milestones. One of the most anticipated moments is when your little one stands for the first time! Your baby’s first successful attempts at standing not only mark a developmental leap but also symbolize their growing independence and strength.
If you're a first-time parent, you might be wondering, "When do babies stand?" There are a few signs that indicate your baby might be ready to stand soon, so let’s go over some of the typical timelines that suggest your baby is gearing up for independence.
Typical Time of Babies Beginning to Stand (With Support)
Most babies begin to stand up with support between 7 and 12 months of age. This initial phase is when they pull themselves up using short furniture (such as chairs or coffee tables) or people (such as family members’ legs, arms, or hands) for balance.
By 9 to 15 months old, many babies can stand independently—although some may take a little longer to reach this milestone. Every baby develops at their own pace, meaning your baby might surprise you by standing earlier than expected, or might take their time.
8 Signs Your Baby Might Stand Soon
You’ll know when your baby is venturing beyond crawling and wanting to start standing up! Here are the usual signs.
1. Pulling Up
One of the first indicators that your baby is ready to stand is their ability to pull themselves up using furniture or other sturdy objects. This action helps them build the necessary leg and core strength they’ll need to balance on their own two feet. If you notice your baby frequently trying to pull up on couches, tables, or even you, it’s a great sign they’re getting ready to stand.
2. Cruising
Once your baby can pull themselves up, they may start "cruising" along furniture. This involves taking small steps while holding onto objects for support. Cruising not only enhances their balance but also allows them to explore their environment from a new perspective—standing upright!
3. Bouncing Up and Down
Babies often enjoy bouncing while holding themselves up in a standing position. This playful behavior helps them develop balance and leg strength—both essential components for standing. If you catch your baby bouncing joyfully while you hold them up, they’re likely enjoying the process of building those muscles.
4. Increased Confidence
As your baby becomes more comfortable with standing, you’ll notice an increase in their confidence. They may start letting go of support briefly or attempt to stand independently for a few seconds, only to lose balance and plop to the ground. This newfound confidence is an encouraging sign that they are ready to take on the challenge of standing on their own.
5. Practicing Balance
Your baby might begin experimenting with balancing on their feet without holding onto anything. Initially, this might last only a few seconds until they fall down. But it’s still a crucial step towards independent standing. You might see them wobbling slightly as they test their limits—this is all part of the learning process!
6. Exploring New Positions
Babies often explore different positions as they prepare to stand, such as moving from sitting to kneeling or squatting. These movements help them develop the coordination needed for standing. If you observe your baby transitioning between different levels and positions frequently, it indicates they are working on their mobility skills.
7. Reaching for Objects
As babies grow stronger and more coordinated, they often reach for toys or objects while in a standing position or when attempting to pull up. This reaching action helps improve their balance and encourages them to experiment with standing.
8. Imitating Others
Babies are natural mimics. If they see older siblings or peers standing and walking, they may be inspired to try it themselves. If your little one is watching others closely and attempting similar movements, it’s a positive sign that they are motivated to stand.
How Can You Encourage Your Baby to Stand?
While it’s important to let your baby develop at their own pace, there are several ways you can encourage them to stand.
Provide Supportive Toys: Use toys that encourage pulling up, such as activity tables or push toys. These can motivate your baby to practice standing while having fun. Look for toys designed for stability that can withstand some weight as your baby pulls up.
Create Safe Areas: Ensure your home is safe for exploration by removing sharp objects and securing furniture. A safe environment allows your baby to practice standing without the risk of injury. Consider using corner guards on furniture and keeping small items out of reach.
Engage in Playful Activities: Engage in activities that promote muscle development, such as tummy time and assisted standing exercises. These activities help strengthen the muscles needed for standing. You can also encourage crawling and scooting as these movements build core strength.
Encourage Interaction with Peers: Allow your baby to interact with other children who are at similar developmental stages. Observing peers can motivate them to try new movements like standing or walking alongside others.
Celebrate Small Victories: Every attempt at pulling up or balancing deserves recognition! Celebrate these small victories with claps or cheers. Positive reinforcement can boost your baby's confidence and encourage further attempts at standing.
What If My Baby Isn't Standing Yet?
If your baby hasn’t started standing by 18 months, it’s a good idea to consult with a pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues. However, keep in mind that developmental milestones vary widely among babies. Some may take longer than others without any cause for concern.
Track Your Baby’s Biggest Milestones
Watching your baby reach new milestones is an exciting journey filled with anticipation and joy. As you navigate this incredible phase of growth, you can use tools like Baby Connect to track the big moments! Baby Connect is a user-friendly app designed specifically for busy parents like you. Conveniently track feeding schedules, diaper changes, sleep patterns, and your favorite milestones like standing and walking.
To try the Baby Connect app for better parenting, download it on your smartphone for free today.
