My Baby Isn't Pulling to Stand
The short answer
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.
By Age
What to expect by age
It is completely normal for babies this age to not yet pull to stand. Many are still working on sitting steadily and beginning to get mobile on the floor. You might see early signs like your baby trying to push up while you hold their hands, or grabbing at furniture - these are all great building blocks.
This is the most common window for pulling to stand. If your baby isn't doing it yet but is sitting well, rolling, and showing interest in upright positions (like bouncing when you hold them standing), they're building the foundations. Plenty of tummy time and floor play near stable furniture gives them opportunities to practice.
If your baby isn't pulling to stand by 11 or 12 months, it's a good idea to mention it to your pediatrician at the next visit. This doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong - some babies focus on fine motor or language skills first - but your doctor can check muscle tone, strength, and overall development to make sure everything is on track.
By this age, most babies should be pulling to stand and many are cruising along furniture. If your baby still isn't pulling up, a referral to a pediatric physical therapist is a sensible next step. Early intervention for motor skills is very effective, and a therapist can give you specific exercises and activities to do at home.
If your baby isn't pulling to stand by 16 months, please talk to your pediatrician soon if you haven't already. An evaluation can help identify whether there are factors like low muscle tone, hip concerns, or sensory preferences that are contributing, and targeted therapy can make a meaningful difference.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 10 months and is sitting well, rolling, and showing interest in being upright when you hold them.
- Your baby pulls up on you but hasn't figured out furniture yet - people are more motivating than coffee tables.
- Your baby was premature - use their adjusted age, which can shift this milestone by several months.
- Your baby briefly pulled up once or twice but doesn't do it consistently yet - they're working on it.
- Your baby is mobile on the floor (crawling, scooting, rolling) and is actively exploring, just not vertically yet.
- Your baby is 12 months or older and isn't pulling to stand on anything, even with encouragement.
- Your baby doesn't seem to bear weight on their legs at all when you hold them in a standing position.
- Your baby seems to have difficulty gripping or holding on to furniture edges when trying to pull up.
- Your baby was pulling up and has stopped doing it.
- Your baby has lost the ability to pull up or stand after previously doing so - any loss of motor skills needs prompt evaluation.
- Your baby's legs seem stiff, scissored, or consistently turned in or out, making standing difficult.
- Your baby is over 15 months with no interest in standing or bearing weight on their legs, combined with other motor delays.
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
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 Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.