My Baby Pulls Their Feet Up When Held Standing
The short answer
Some babies go through a phase where they pull their legs up and refuse to bear weight. This is often normal, especially around 4-6 months, and many babies simply are not interested in standing yet. However, if your baby never bears weight on their legs by 9 months or seems unable rather than unwilling, it should be evaluated.
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
By Age
What to expect by age
Many babies at this age will bear weight if held standing, but some prefer to pull their legs up. This is usually normal and not a sign of weakness. Your baby may simply prefer other positions. As long as your baby kicks their legs actively when lying down, their leg strength is developing.
Most babies enjoy bouncing and bearing weight when held standing by now. If your baby still pulls their feet up every time, try gently encouraging weight bearing by holding them over your legs while sitting. If your baby actively kicks and moves their legs in other positions but just does not want to stand, this is likely a preference.
By 7-9 months, most babies bear weight enthusiastically when held in standing. If your baby still consistently refuses to put their feet down, mention it to your pediatrician. They can check for low muscle tone, foot sensitivity, or other factors.
If your baby will not bear weight at all by 9 months, evaluation is important. This could indicate low muscle tone, sensory sensitivity in the feet, or neurological concerns. Early physical therapy can address many of these issues effectively.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 7 months and sometimes bears weight, sometimes pulls legs up.
- Your baby kicks vigorously in other positions, showing good leg strength.
- Your baby will bear weight briefly before pulling legs up.
- Your baby seems uninterested rather than unable to bear weight.
- Your baby never bears weight on their legs by 7-9 months.
- Your baby seems to have weak legs or floppy muscle tone.
- Your baby cries or seems distressed when feet touch surfaces.
- Your baby was previously bearing weight and has stopped.
- Your baby seems to have increasing weakness in their legs.
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 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.
Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)
Low muscle tone means your baby's muscles feel less firm or their body feels "floppy" when you hold them. While it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, many babies with mildly low tone do very well with support and strengthening activities.
My Baby Seems Floppy (Hypotonia)
A "floppy" baby is one whose muscles feel unusually relaxed and who may slip through your hands when you lift them under the arms. Many cases of mild floppiness improve on their own as your baby grows stronger, but it is important to have your pediatrician evaluate your baby to rule out any underlying conditions.
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.