GM.A.62 GETS FROM STANDING TO FLOOR, USING HAND TO STABILISE ON FURNITURE

The baby is now able to lower herself to the floor in a controlled manner – no longer having to ‘fall’ back into sitting. This is because of increased control in the muscles of the legs. She still needs to keep a hand on the furniture to steady herself.

How to Assess

Method: Place the child standing against a chest-high table with some toys on the floor. Encourage the child to lower herself to the floor to obtain the toys. Score plus if the child is able to get to the floor in a controlled way, by bending both legs, passing through a half-kneeling position.

How to Teach

Place the baby in standing against a low table. Place a cushion or a small foam block or yourself behind her. Now encourage her to turn around towards the object or you and help her to lower her free hand onto the object or your lap. She should then let go her top hand and so lower herself to the ground.

If she is unable to bend her ‘locked’ knees, place your hands around them and gently bend them for her.

Next encourage your child to get right down without something to lean on halfway.