Moving (gross motor)
Pulling to stand
Many babies — 8–11 months
Using furniture to pull up to standing — the doorway to cruising and walking.
What’s happening
Pulling to stand is usually the first time a baby gets themselves upright — using furniture, your legs, anything sturdy — and it's the direct bridge between crawling and cruising.
How to support it
- Leave sturdy, stable furniture at the right height to pull up on, and toys on a low couch or table to reach for.
- A stable activity table gives a reason to stand and play.
- Getting back down is its own skill and often the harder, more frustrating part at first — some gentle coaching on bending the knees helps more than lifting them down every time.
Worth knowing
- Now that they can pull up, anchor furniture and TVs to the wall (tip-over risk) and lower the crib mattress to its lowest setting.
When to ask your pediatrician
Pulling to stand is one of the CDC's checkpoints for 1 year. If your baby shows no interest in pulling up or bearing weight on their legs by their first birthday, mention it at their next visit.
Often comes after crawling
Often leads to cruising (walking along furniture)
Where this comes from
- Getting Mobile: Movement MilestonesZero to Three
- Milestones by 1 YearCDC
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