GM.A.26 STANDING, FEET FLAT, LEANS ON SUPPORT

The baby starts by standing on very stiff legs. She puts so much effort into standing that she may stand on her toes.

As she gets this effort under control, she will stand on flat feet. Her legs will be slightly apart and her knees and feet turned out.

She still needs to lean on furniture for support or have someone balancing her and taking some of her weight. She should not need both.

How to Assess

Method: Place your child in standing at a chest-high table or other support. Ensure that her feet are on a flat surface and let her lean forward onto the support. Score plus if your child can maintain the standing position for 1 minute without sitting down or overbalancing.

How to Teach

Continue to give your child time in standing, as described in GM.A.19. Use bracing techniques if necessary. Gradually reduce your support until your child is leaning on the furniture without your help.

If your child is having difficulty in standing at this stage, it would be a good idea to consult your therapist. She might suggest some stronger splinting material, or be able to provide you with a standing frame, which will support your child firmly and allow her to play in this position.

It is still important that your child stand with her bottom in, that is, with her hips in line with  the rest of her body.

Positioning, Carrying and Playing

Encourage your child to stand up against the lounge where you are sitting, to talk to you or to read a book with you. Stand her against the outside of the bath to watch the water filling. Try to make standing an exciting skill she can use to see and do things, which she can’t see and do on the floor.