My Baby Is Late to Pull to Stand
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, WHO guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about is late to pull to stand, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Most babies pull to stand between 8-12 months, with 9-10 months being the most common age. If your baby is not pulling to stand by 12 months, discuss it with your pediatrician. Some babies who are efficient crawlers or bottom shufflers may pull to stand later because they are content with their current mobility.
Key takeaways
- Most babies pull to stand between 8-12 months, with 9-10 months being the most common age. If your baby is not pulling to stand by 12 months, discuss it with your pediatrician. Some babies who are efficient crawlers or bottom shufflers may pull to stand later because they are content with their current mobility.
- Usually normal when: Your baby is under 11 months and is showing interest in pulling up.
- Call your doctor if: Your baby was pulling to stand and has stopped.
- Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, CDC, WHO guidelines, most babies pull to stand between 8-12 months, with 9-10 months being the most common age. If your baby is not pulling to stand by 12 months, discuss it with your pediatrician. Some babies who are efficient crawlers or bottom shufflers may pull to stand later because they are content with their current mobility. At 8-10 months, this is the most common age for pulling to stand to develop, but many babies are not doing it yet at 8-9 months. If your baby is crawling well and showing interest in upright positions, pulling to stand will likely come soon. You can encourage it by placing favorite toys on low furniture. It is generally considered normal when your baby is under 11 months and is showing interest in pulling up. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your baby was pulling to stand and has stopped.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
8-10 months
This is the most common age for pulling to stand to develop, but many babies are not doing it yet at 8-9 months. If your baby is crawling well and showing interest in upright positions, pulling to stand will likely come soon. You can encourage it by placing favorite toys on low furniture.
10-12 months
Most babies pull to stand by now. If your baby has not started, but is mobile on the floor and developing other skills, give them a few more weeks. If your baby shows no interest in upright positions and does not try to pull up at all, mention it to your pediatrician.
12-14 months
If your baby is not pulling to stand by 12 months, evaluation is recommended. Your pediatrician will check leg strength, muscle tone, and overall motor development. Many late pull-to-standers respond well to physical therapy encouragement.
14-18 months
Not pulling to stand by 14 months warrants thorough evaluation. Your pediatrician may refer to a developmental specialist or physical therapist. Early intervention is important for building the strength and skills needed for upright mobility.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed is late to pull to stand and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is 12 months and not pulling to stand at all.
- Mention if your baby seems to have weak legs or cannot bear weight.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 11 months and is showing interest in pulling up.
- Your baby is a bottom shuffler or efficient crawler who is content with floor mobility.
- Your baby was premature and is on track for adjusted age.
- Your baby recently started trying to pull up and is building this skill.
- Your baby is 12 months and not pulling to stand at all.
- Your baby seems to have weak legs or cannot bear weight.
- Your baby shows no interest in upright positions by 10 months.
- Your baby was pulling to stand and has stopped.
- Your baby seems to be getting weaker or losing motor skills.
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice is late to pull to stand — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that your baby is under 11 months and is showing interest in pulling up — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 8-10 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your baby was pulling to stand and has stopped.
Related Conditions
My Baby Isn't Pulling to Stand
Most babies begin pulling themselves up to stand between 8 and 10 months, but the typical range extends to about 12 months. Pulling to stand requires a combination of upper body strength, core stability, leg strength, and motivation - and some babies simply take a little longer to put all those pieces together.
My Baby Isn't Standing Independently
Independent standing - letting go and balancing without holding anything - typically happens between 9 and 14 months, with many babies not mastering it until around 12 months. Standing independently requires tremendous balance and confidence, and it's one of those skills that often clicks suddenly after weeks of almost-but-not-quite moments.
My Baby Isn't Bearing Weight on Their Legs
Most babies begin to enjoy bearing weight on their legs when you hold them in a standing position by around 4 to 6 months. By 9 months, babies should be able to support their weight on their legs with you providing balance support. If your baby's legs consistently buckle or they show no interest in pushing down, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Related Resources
Milestone Checklists by Age
Track your baby's developmental milestones from birth to 5 years with age-specific checklists.
Month-by-Month Development
Detailed monthly development guides from birth through 24 months.
When to Call the Doctor
General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.
Frequently asked questions
Is is late to pull to stand normal?
When should I call the doctor about is late to pull to stand?
When is is late to pull to stand normal?
What causes is late to pull to stand?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about is late to pull to stand?
Is is late to pull to stand normal at 8-10 months?
Is is late to pull to stand normal at 10-12 months?
Should I go to the ER for is late to pull to stand?
Does is late to pull to stand go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Is Late to Pull to Stand.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed is late to pull to stand and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if your baby is 12 months and not pulling to stand at all.
- Mention if your baby seems to have weak legs or cannot bear weight.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- Your baby is 12 months and not pulling to stand at all.
- Your baby seems to have weak legs or cannot bear weight.
- Your baby shows no interest in upright positions by 10 months.
Urgent signs to report immediately
- Your baby was pulling to stand and has stopped.
- Your baby seems to be getting weaker or losing motor skills.
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
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Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of is late to pull to stand are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your baby was pulling to stand and has stopped.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Isn't Pulling to Stand
Most babies begin pulling themselves up to stand between 8 and 10 months, but the typical range extends to about 12 months. Pulling to stand requires a combination of upper body strength, core stability, leg strength, and motivation - and some babies simply take a little longer to put all those pieces together.
My Baby Isn't Standing Independently
Independent standing - letting go and balancing without holding anything - typically happens between 9 and 14 months, with many babies not mastering it until around 12 months. Standing independently requires tremendous balance and confidence, and it's one of those skills that often clicks suddenly after weeks of almost-but-not-quite moments.
My Baby Isn't Bearing Weight on Their Legs
Most babies begin to enjoy bearing weight on their legs when you hold them in a standing position by around 4 to 6 months. By 9 months, babies should be able to support their weight on their legs with you providing balance support. If your baby's legs consistently buckle or they show no interest in pushing down, it's worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.