Supported Standing with Weight Bearing
Ability to support own weight while standing when adult holds hands for balance
What the research says
Referenced across 1 developmental framework: asq_3
Full quotes, source languages, and document links coming soon as we finish the source-evidence indexing pass.
Normative evidence
1 source back this milestone. The bars below show the age range each source covers.
Before this (2)
How it's taught
Provide opportunities for supported standing during play; hold hands for balance; encourage leg strengthening
Materials: Stable furniture, adult support
What mastery looks like
Does not support weight when held for standing
- Legs collapse when placed in standing
- Does not bear weight on feet
- Requires full adult support
Beginning to support some weight but inconsistently
- Briefly supports weight then collapses
- Legs straighten momentarily
- Inconsistent weight bearing
Regularly supports own weight when hands held for balance
- Stands with legs straight when supported
- Bears full weight on feet
- Maintains standing for several seconds
Consistently supports weight; stands for extended periods with hand support
- Stands steadily with hand support
- Can maintain standing for minutes
- Strong leg extension
Automatic weight bearing; beginning to pull to stand independently
- Stands easily with minimal support
- May pull to stand on furniture
- Beginning independent standing attempts
Activities for this (11)
We can stand!
This helps strengthen your baby’s muscles and practice standing up. To complete this activity teach your baby to stand up by holding her hands and slowly pulling her up until she is standing. When your baby reaches that position, praise her and then try it again. Is y
Standing Up with Support
This helps develop the ability to stand up by leaning on a smooth wall or furniture. Encouraging your baby to stand near furniture or a wall strengthens their gross motor skills. Place your baby next to furniture or a smooth wall and encourage them to stand up by hanging a toy they lo
Up and down the stairs
This helps train your baby to climb up and down steps. Take your baby to a low step, initially, your baby may only place hands on the step and lean over it. Assist your baby by gently lifting their knee towards the next step. Babies often tend to descend
Practicing Balance
This helps develop your baby's equilibrium. Help your baby practice balance while standing by using a simple toy activity. Place your baby standing next to a piece of sturdy furniture they can hold onto. Hold an attractive toy about 15 cm to th
Let's hit the ball!
This helps encourage your baby to take their first steps and strengthen your baby's legs for walking. Take your baby by the hands and place a ball in front of them, close enough so that they can accidentally kick it when you advance forward. Repeat this exercise 5-10 times or until your baby gets tire
Let's walk and let go!
This helps stimulate your baby to stand up and walk. Let's work on helping your baby stand up by themselves! Place your baby standing up, leaning on a piece of furniture with one hand and his other hand holding yours. Your baby will learn to support him
By the hand
This helps stimulate your baby to take a few steps forward and walk. Once your baby has begun to take a few steps while holding on to furniture, practice taking her walking around the room. Position yourself in front of your baby holding both her hands and placing them
Stand and Grab
This helps practice standing up by holding on to furniture. Encourage your baby to strengthen their legs and practice standing. Place a small stool nearby and put a toy on top, just out of reach. Get your baby’s attention and motivate them to reach for the toy
Let's feel the seeds!
This helps present new experiences to your baby through his or her touch. Embark on a delightful sensory adventure with your baby by filling a large container with corn or bean seeds. With your little one barefoot and in a standing position, gently place them in the contain
Walking Simulation
Parent supports baby through leg-strengthening exercises including cycling motions and simulated walking. The agent guides the parent to observe weight-bearing on legs, stepping reflexes, and leg muscle coordination — building the lower body strength essential for standing and walking milestones.
Splash for Sensory Development
Parent supports baby in bath water, allowing feet to touch the surface and encouraging splashing movements. The agent coaches the parent to observe sensory preferences, cause-effect understanding, and motor coordination as baby discovers how leg movements create water splashes.
Formal assessments
No matching assessment items indexed yet.