In order to walk, your little one will eventually need to be able to stand on their own. In order to do that they will need to develop balance and control. This happens over time as they continue to get stronger with their gross motor skills. They develop the muscle strength as well as the right reactions and balance reactions needed to keep them upright.
In the beginning they may be able to stand for a brief second and you are afraid to even breathe because you don’t think they could maintain their balance if you exhale too forcefully! So what can you do to help them?
- Lots of cruising! This is where you can progress their balance. Make the surfaces more challenging or further apart. Check out this blog for some ideas.
- Working on walking. We have a whole series of videos that show how to promote independent walking. Each of these ideas will also help with standing balance! Standing with back to wall, sit to stand, more cruising, and pushing an item.
- Standing with an unstable surface. Your little one still gets the support but they have to work on their balance to maintain upright! Some favorites are hula hoops, yoga balls, and push toys!
What ways have worked for you and your little one?