GM.A.45 PULLS TO STAND, STRAIGHTENING BOTH LEGS, PULLS WITH ARMS

When a child first pulls herself to standing, it is tremendously exciting to anyone who is following her Gross Motor development. The child’s world is now expanded enormously to include things off the floor, and it is a sign that she is well on the way towards learning to walk.

The baby’s first method of pulling to stand looks very awkward. She stretches up and puts her hands on a convenient piece of furniture. She keeps her hips quite bent to stabilise herself. To get up, she must push down strongly with her arms, while straightening both her knees. Once up, she ‘waddles’ her legs forward to get them under her. What hard work this progression in the Gross Motor area is!

A note of warning: children with very stiff legs must not be allowed to pull to stand this way, as it will only increase the stiffness. If your child is very stiff, she must get to stand through the half-kneeling position, as in GM.A.57.

How to Assess

Method: Place your child in a crawl or sitting position, in front of the table with a toy on it.

Show the child the toy and encourage her to take it. Score plus if child pulls up to stand by pushing down strongly on her arms, at the same time straightening both her legs.

How to Teach

It is not necessary to teach this skill. We mention it here because it is a milestone. To teach your child to pull to stand, go on to GM.A.57.