A higher view can be very exciting for your baby! Learning to stand opens up a whole new world to explore. Suddenly they have developed this new skill, vital for their development and independence. 

Encouraging your baby to stand and enjoy this new point of view will stimulate and engage them. It’s also an important first step towards walking.

Before your baby can stand they will need to gain muscle strength and coordination, which will also help them learn to sit and roll over. Don’t worry if your baby hasn’t rolled over yet. Many babies move on to other milestones long before they master rolling. 

Between four months and seven months, your baby will spend time learning to sit up, using their hands to help them balance. At around five months, you can help them to stand up by gently pulling on their arms. Try to work at your baby’s pace. Once standing with your support, they’ll look up at you as if for approval. Already in a hurry to get upright. 

At around six months old, your baby may be able to bear weight on their feet and bounce up and down actively. You’ll need to support them and place their little feet on a hard surface such as the floor. 

Between six months and nine months, your baby may start to pull themselves up. They may only be able to stand for a few moments before falling backwards with a gentle bump. Keep an eye on your baby at this stage. Although unlikely to hurt themselves falling backwards in a cleared space they may get a fright. Be ready to give lots of cuddles, kisses and reassurances. 

Around their first birthday, confidence and balance will help your baby to achieve the ultimate goal of standing alone without any help from furniture or people. 

Your baby will only stand when they feel ready to do so. However, here are some games and activities that will help to stimulate their interest and muscle development. 

Let your baby roll, bottom shuffle or crawl whenever you can. Exploring their environment will stimulate their natural curiosity, encouraging them to reach and grasp. Try placing colourful toys just out of reach or on top of a low table. Be sure to childproof any sharp corners. 

Set up play dates with friends or relatives with children. Playing alongside babies of a similar age will encourage your baby to imitate their peers. 

Lots of encouragement, clapping and smiling from you will give your baby the confidence they need to try new things. As they learn to stand, they may need some help working out how to sit down again. 

If your baby isn't able to stand with support by the time of their first birthday, mention it to your Public Health Nurse or your GP. But try to remember that babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others. 

If your baby was born early (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), keep in mind that he may reach this and other milestones a little later than other babies.