month 8:

Standing on their own two feet

Greetings

Is your baby standing up? Some babies start to pull themselves to a standing position as early as six months, while others don’t start until 10 months. Sometimes they hold onto tables and chairs for support, while other times they might just try to stand up with no support at all. It’s all part of the process of them becoming more mobile in the world.

If your baby isn’t standing up yet, don’t worry. Every child develops in their own way in their own time, and your baby’s growth and development is not a race. Below, we have some suggestions for gently supporting your baby in getting upright.

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Activities that you can do

Here are some activities that you can try with your baby this month.

1. Create a space that promotes standing

Set up your living space in a way that encourages your baby to stand and move. For example, attach objects such as toys, baby-safe mirrors, toothbrushes, fabric, and shoes to your walls. Attach the objects at different levels so your baby can touch and play with these toys while sitting, crawling, or standing. Babies love sensory experience, so these objects will motivate your baby to stand so they can reach the higher toys.

2. Gates stuffed with toys

This is another way to encourage your baby to practice standing up. If you have child gates in your home protecting stairs and halls, simply squish balls and stuffed animals between the bars of the gate. Place the toys and stuffed animals at different levels, then watch closely as your baby tries to reach and grab those toys. Often they will pull themselves to a standing position to do it.

Remember: If your baby begins to fuss or cry during any of these activities, it might be a sign that they're hungry or need a rest.

Tips for your own self-care

You may not have as much time for yourself as you did in your pre-baby days, but it’s important to remember to set aside time every day to do something to recharge your batteries. If all you’ve got is five minutes, set a timer and take that moment to move your body in a way that feels good to you: do a yoga flow, walk around the block, pull some weeds in the garden, or put on some happy tunes and dance. Remember, self-care isn’t selfish!

Things to watch for this month

These are some of the things that your baby might be doing this month:

Pulling themselves to a standing position
Starting to stand without support
Grasping objects with their fingers using a pinching motion

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Disclaimer: The activities provided in this newsletter are for educational purposes only. If you choose to proceed, do so with caution and at your own risk.

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