How to Help Your Child Learn to Sit and Stand

Watching your baby grow and develop new skills is exciting.

Sitting and standing are big milestones,

but many parents wonder how to help their baby do it safely and correctly.

Here’s what you need to know.

When Do Babies Start Sitting and Standing?

Most babies start sitting independently by 6-8 months

and pull themselves up to stand around 9-12 months.

However, every baby is different, and some may take a little longer.

Signs Your Baby Is Ready

Your baby might be ready to sit when they:

• Hold their head up steadily.
• Push up with their arms when lying on their tummy.
• Try leaning forward while supported.

For standing, look for signs like:

• Pulling on furniture or your hands.
• Trying to put weight on their legs.
• Bouncing when held upright.

How to Encourage Sitting and Standing

Helping Your Baby Sit

• Use Floor Time: Give your baby plenty of time on the floor to build core strength.

• Prop with Support: Use pillows or your legs to offer gentle support.

• Encourage Reaching: Place toys slightly out of reach to encourage balance.

Helping Your Baby Stand

• Provide a Stable Surface: Let your baby hold onto furniture or your hands.

• Let Them Play Upright: Activity tables or push toys help strengthen their legs.

• Barefoot is Best: Avoid hard shoes—bare feet help improve balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Too Much Time in Baby Gear: Walkers, jumpers, and bouncers can delay natural development.

• Skipping Tummy Time: A strong core is key for sitting and standing.

• Forcing Milestones: Let your baby progress at their own pace.

When to See a Physical Therapist

If your baby isn’t sitting by 9 months or standing by 15 months,

or if they seem very stiff or floppy,

a pediatric physiotherapist can help assess their progress.

Expert Help in Sargodha

If you have concerns about your baby’s movement,

Dr. Farjad Afzal, a pediatric physiotherapist at Khawaja Arshad Hospital, Sargodha, can help.

With 14+ years of experience,

he offers expert guidance to support your child’s physical development.

Early intervention can make a big difference—reach out today!