My Baby Is Late to Pull to Stand
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.
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By Age
What to expect by age
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
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.
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.
My Baby Only Army Crawls
Army crawling (also called commando crawling) is a completely valid and normal way for babies to move. Many babies army crawl for weeks or even months before transitioning to hands-and-knees crawling, and some skip hands-and-knees crawling entirely. What matters is that your baby is independently mobile and exploring their environment.
One Side of My Baby's Body Moves Differently
Babies should generally use both sides of their body equally. If one side consistently moves differently, is weaker, stiffer, or less coordinated, this warrants evaluation. Asymmetric movement can indicate hemiplegia (cerebral palsy affecting one side), brachial plexus injury, or other neurological conditions that benefit from early therapy.