Toys to Help Baby Stand Independently
As a new mom, I know how exciting and nerve-wracking it can be when your little one starts to stand on their own. My daughter was 12 months old and still wasn’t standing, which had me a bit worried. But with the help of some encouragement and great toys to help a baby stand, she was able to get up on her own in no time!
Within just a few weeks, she was pulling herself up and standing on her own for longer and longer periods of time.
Those first few times my daughter stood up without any support were pretty funny. She get the biggest grin on hes face, like she couldn’t believe she was really doing it. And then she’d promptly plop back down, giggling. It was the cutest thing! We made sure to really celebrate those milestones, because they’re all part of that incredible journey in their first year.
Babies only pay attention to one thing for a short time and then they want something else! So I’ve found that it is good to have different places in the living room where your baby can practice standing safely, such as furniture and toys! This way you keep your baby’s attention and, practicing standing remains interesting and challenging for them!
Also, make sure your baby is getting plenty of floor play to strengthen those leg and core muscles. Tummy time, playing in a seated position, and just letting them freely move around are all great for building that upper body and balance.
I also found it helpful to give my daughter lots of encouragement when she started trying to pull herself up. Clapping, cheering her on, and letting her know how proud I was really seemed to motivate her.
It’s amazing to see how quickly they can progress when you set up an environment that makes standing fun and rewarding!
I’m excited to share some of the toys and setups that have worked well for us in case they can help other moms too!
Of course, every baby reaches developmental stages at their own pace. Try not to compare your little one to others – just celebrate each new skill they master, whether it’s standing, cruising, or full-on walking. Maybe they are developing other new skills first and that’s okay! With a little patience, the right tools, and off course with your love and support, they’ll get there in their own time. Enjoy this special time of watching them discover their own strength and independence.
The importance of standing
From around 6 months of age, it’s possible that your baby is trying to bear weight on their legs and maybe even take a few tentative steps while holding on to furniture. This is an exciting time as they start to develop those all-important core and leg muscles. Of course, every baby is different, so try not to compare too much. Some little ones will be standing on their own as early as 9 months, while others might take a bit longer, closer to a year (like my daughter).
Our babies need a solid core to be able to sit up straight, balance, and eventually stand on their own.
You can do some simple exercises at home to help them get there. From tummy time to gentle yoga poses, there are so many fun and easy ways to work on those core muscles.
The key is to make it a part of your daily routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. Our little ones are sponges, so the more we can incorporate these movements into our playtime, the faster they’ll start to see the benefits!
When babies start standing, it helps strengthen their leg muscles and improves their balance and coordination. This lays the foundation for them to eventually start walking on their own. Plus, being upright gives them a whole new perspective on the world – they can see more, reach more, and interact with their environment in new ways.
At first, they’d only stand for a few seconds before plopping back down. But with encouragement and plenty of tummy time, they got stronger and more confident!
So if your baby is showing an interest in standing, go with it! Provide plenty of support and safe spaces for them to practice.
And the act of standing itself helps with both their physical and cognitive growth. Balancing in that upright position requires focus and concentration, which in turn boosts their problem-solving skills!
Standing is an important milestone for your baby’s development, as standing opens up a whole new world of exploration and learning. Older babies love to cruise along furniture, dance, and eventually take those first independent steps.
How to safely Introduce toys to help a baby stand into your baby’s playtime
When it comes to toys that can help encourage this skill, standing toys can be a great option. But it’s important to introduce them safely and at the right time. Let me share some tips I’ve learned along the way.
First, wait until your baby is around 6-8 months old before bringing out any standing toys. Every baby develops at their own pace, so pay attention to the signs that they’re ready, like being able to hold their head up well and starting to pull themselves up on furniture. Don’t rush it – let them set the pace.
Once they seem ready, look for toys made of natural, sturdy materials that have a wide, stable base. Avoid anything with small parts that could be a choking hazard. I really like toys that are at eye level, so they can look around while they practice standing. A low coffee table or bench can work well too.
The key is to let your little one use the toy to support themselves, not hold on to it tightly. Give them the freedom to experiment and build those muscles. And of course, always supervise playtime with standing toys. It’s all about letting them learn at their own comfortable pace.
Now, I do want to mention baby walkers with a built-in seat
Those wheeled contraptions that allow babies to “walk” before they’re ready. While they may seem helpful, pediatricians strongly advise against using them. They can actually delay the development of important motor skills and even lead to accidents. It’s best to stick with stationary standing toys instead. Don’t confuse this with a push walker where your baby walks behind the push walker and is not stuck in a seat. This a safe toy to practice walking when your baby can already stand properly!
The most important thing is to make sure your baby feels safe, supported, and free to explore as they start standing. With the right toys and a watchful eye, you can help nurture this exciting new milestone.
Standing ‘toys’ you already have at home
One thing that can really help babies practice standing is using items you probably already have around the house.
For example, did you know that a sturdy coffee table or low bookcase can make a great “standing station” for your baby? Just make sure to add some soft foam padding to the edges for safety. Then, you can place a simple toy or object on the surface for your little one to reach for and pull themselves up.
I’ve found that some interesting sensory toys can be a great way to encourage this new skill. Placing some brightly colored, textured toys just out of reach on the coffee table can motivate your little one to pull up and try to stand to get to them. Just make sure to supervise closely for safety.
Another idea is to use some heavy boxes or storage containers. Arrange them in a way that creates a stable, low surface for your baby to hold onto and practice standing. Just be sure to secure any sharp corners with padding.
You can also try setting up an open bookcase or shelving unit. The different levels provide perfect surfaces for your baby to grip and pull up on. Just make sure to anchor the unit to the wall for safety.
The key is providing safe, stable surfaces at the right height for your baby to explore standing. Encourage practice by placing their favorite toys just out of reach on these surfaces. Cheer them on and celebrate each wobbly attempt!
With a little creativity using everyday items, you can create the perfect baby-friendly standing stations right at home!
6 fun toys to help your baby stand that encourage independent standing and balance
As moms, we’re always on the lookout for toys that can help our little ones reach those important developmental milestones.
If you’re looking for the best toys to help your baby stand and encourage and support your baby’s standing practice, I’ve got you covered. These 6 picks are not only fun, but they’re designed to help build the muscles and balance needed for standing.
HONEY JOY Activity table a multifunctional wonder for developing motor skills and practicing standing
These activity tables are designed at the perfect height for your little one to hold onto and pull themselves up.
This double-sided tabletop is made from high-quality, durable materials that are built to last. The sturdy design ensures that it can withstand the curious and sometimes rambunctious explorations of your little one. But what I love most is how this table grows with your child, adapting to their changing needs!
There is a Lego platform on this activity table that your little one can build on and practice standing in an upright position! You can turn the table top over and your child will have a flat and spacious desktop board to draw on when older! The varied surfaces and activities encourage standing, reaching, and balancing as they play. It’s a fun sensory experience that also sneaks in some standing practice.I like these types of toys so much because they can be used for different purposes!
If you’re looking for a toy that’s going to grow with your baby and help them reach those important developmental milestones, I highly recommend giving this activity table a try.
ROBOTIME Wooden Play kitchen for your little chef to practice coordination
At first, I wasn’t sure how a play kitchen would help with standing, but it turns out those little plastic pots, pans, and utensils are the perfect props. My daughter loves to hold onto the edges of the play kitchen and pull herself up, strengthening her leg muscles and practicing her balance. The act of reaching for the different pieces encourages her to shift her weight and engage her core.
It’s amazing to see how quickly she’s progressing. Just a few weeks ago, she could only stand for a minute or two while holding on. Now, she’ll happily play “chef” at her little kitchen for 10-15 minutes at a time!
Melissa & Doug Wooden get Well Doctor activity center to practice climbing and standing
The different heights of the platforms and steps allow your little one to practice standing and stepping up, which is crucial for building those leg muscles and coordination.
There is so much to move around and explore with this toy! all while having a blast playing “doctor.” The fun features, like the stethoscope and thermometer, And the bright, colorful design is just so darn cute – it’s a win-win!
Art Easel from JoyCat to encourage independent standing and fine motor skills
The great thing about an art easel is that it comes in different heights, so you can adjust it as your baby grows. When they’re first starting to stand, you can set it to a lower level so they can hold on. Then, as they get stronger, you can raise it up to challenge them a bit more.
But it’s not just about the physical aspect – the art easel also encourages hand-eye coordination and creative expression.
OLAKIDS Climbing toy with natural materials for muscle strength
Why I’m a big fan of wooden climbing toys – they’re such a great way to help your baby practice standing and build those all-important motor skills.
The great thing about these types of climbing toys is that they encourage that natural urge to explore and move around. Babies are hardwired to want to stand and cruise, and having that sturdy, stable piece of wood for them to grip onto and use as a stepping stone is just so helpful. It lets them practice those standing and balance skills in a safe way.
These simple climbing toys are versatile toys. You can use this toy also in the toddler years, when your child get more adventurous with climbing and cruising! It really grows with them, which is so nice.
If you’re on the hunt for a toy that’s going to give your little one’s development a boost, I can’t recommend wooden climbing toys enough. They’re such a great investment, and you’ll get to enjoy watching your baby gain confidence and coordination with every play session.
Montessori Pull-Up Bar a simple but effective toy to help your baby stand and strengthen leg muscles
The Montessori Pull-Up Bar with Mirror is a simple yet effective toy that can help babies practice standing and develop their gross motor skills. This sturdy bar allows little ones to hold on and pull themselves up, strengthening their leg muscles and improving their balance.
The addition of a mirror is brilliant – it engages a baby’s natural curiosity and self-awareness, as they can see themselves standing and moving. This helps reinforce the connection between their actions and the results, aiding the learning process. This self-discovery can be incredibly rewarding and motivating, spurring them on to keep practicing and improving their standing abilities.
It’s a humble but powerful tool that supports a baby’s natural development in a gentle, Montessori-inspired way. With its safe, non-slip design, parents can feel confident letting their little ones explore.
Time to get playing – your baby is on the move!
Hopfully you baby will stand independently with these best toys to help your baby stand!
Even after they master that standing position, keep encouraging plenty of practice. Allowing them to spend time standing and strengthening those leg muscles is so important for their physical development in the first year. Plus, you can just see the sense of independence and confidence growing with each time they’re able to stand a little longer!
Of course, once they get the hang of standing before you know it, they take their first steps! But take the time to savor this in-between phase. Encourage independent standing with some of the best toys to help a baby stand. when they master the skill of independent standing you can look out for things like a push toy and some of the best walking toys! Make sure to capture lots of those adorable wobbly moments on camera. Before you know it, they’ll be running circles around you!
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