Standing Up Exercise
Parent helps baby practice the transition from lying to sitting and from sitting to supported standing, using a light stick or markers for baby to grip. The agent guides the parent to observe pull-to-sit effort, torso control, and weight bearing on feet, building the gross motor foundations for independent sitting and standing.
Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.
What you'll need
Baby lying face up on a blanket or soft mat. A light stick, wooden spoon, or thick marker for baby to grip. Parent kneeling or sitting beside baby.
How it works
- 1~25s
Hold the stick above your child's chest and let them grab onto it with both hands. Once they has a good grip, slowly and gently pull the stick upward, helping your child toward a sitting position. Go slowly! Watch your child's effort — does they try to help by pulling with their arms or engaging their core? Or is they mostly being lifted? Tell me what you see.
Watch for: Baby actively participates in being pulled to sitting by engaging arms and core muscles.
- 2~25s
Now that your child is sitting up, let them stay in the seated position for a moment. Does they use their hands to prop themself up? How steady is they? A baby at this stage might use both hands on the floor for support, or might be starting to balance without hands. Watch the torso — is it wobbly or steady? What do you notice?
Watch for: Baby maintains seated position with some degree of trunk control.
- 3~30s
Now for the fun part! Place your child on your lap facing you. Hold their hands and gently help them to a standing position on your lap, with their feet pressing against your legs. Does your child bear weight on their feet? Do their legs straighten? Some babies love to bounce in this position! Is your child's neck and torso steady while standing supported? Tell me what happens.
Watch for: Baby bears weight on feet when held in supported standing, showing leg strength.