Observe whether the child: pushes down on their legs when their feet are placed on a firm surface
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Your child is beginning to push through their legs when their feet touch a firm surface, but the push may be brief, light, or happen only with steady adult support.
What you might see
Your child pushes down on their legs when their feet are placed on a firm surface, while you safely hold and support their body.
What you might see
Your child pushes down through their legs in a more steady way across familiar routines, such as being held upright before a diaper change or during play.
What you might see
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
While holding your child securely under the arms and around the trunk, gently let their feet touch a firm surface and watch whether they push down through their legs.
Try this only when your child is calm and alert, and stop if they seem uncomfortable.
Notice whether the push happens once, several times, or only with extra help getting positioned.
The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.
Stenhaug, B., Ram, N., & Frank, M. C. (2021). The Stanford SHQ: A measure of early developmental milestones.
This item comes directly from the SHQ prompt asking whether the child pushes down on their legs when their feet are placed on a firm surface.
Bayley, N., & Aylward, G. P. (2019). Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition.
Early motor measures include supported standing and weight-bearing responses as signs of developing infant postural and leg control.
