GM.A.63 GETS TO STAND THROUGH HALF-KNEELING OR SQUAT POSITIONS, WITH LITTLE ARM SUPPORT
The baby is now able to get to stand by actively straightening her legs – no longer having to pull herself up with her arms.
As she becomes more competent at this, she goes through a fairly predictable sequence of movements to get to stand:
- Kneeling
- Half-kneeling.
- As she takes her weight forward onto the front bent leg and starts to stand, she quickly brings the back leg forward and so assumes a squat position.
- From here she straightens both legs at once.
How to Assess
Method: Place your child in sitting or kneeling near a low table. Show her something interesting that is on the table. Encourage her to stand. Score plus if she rises competently to stand, using a half-kneeling position or a combination of half-kneeling and squatting.
How to Teach
Make sure that your child is competent at the level described in GM.A.57.
Children from this stage on will start to use the squat position not only to pull to stand, but as a play position. They will use it in this way well into the second year, and often beyond.
Help your child to become used to squatting by supporting her in squat as she plays. Support her on top of her knees, keeping her weight well forward. If you have trouble getting her into a squat, face her away from you, lift her up, bend her knees and then lower her to the floor again. Gradually remove your support.
Once she is used to squatting, you can help her to stand without relying on her arms to pull her up. As she squats, put 1 arm across her knees from behind, and the other forearm across her chest, under her arms. Tip her forward and guide her up into standing. You may need to press on her knees to give her the idea of straightening them. Before long you will be able to remove your help.