Journal Entry

How to help your baby improve his balance

Sitting and standing. Two abilities most people don’t think much about–until they have a baby. Then they think more about both than they ever would have thought possible. These developmental milestones occur during the first year of life and are what make it possible for your baby to crawl and walk. While they are usually achieved naturally and with little help from mom and dad, there are things parents can do to help improve their child’s balance, strength and coordination.

Around four to six months of age your baby should begin sitting up. A few months later, around months eight or nine, she will probably begin standing. Keep in mind that all babies develop differently and what is normal for one child might not be normal for another. Contact your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby’s development.

The act of sitting requires coordination and strength, something babies acquire through exercise. To start, when your baby is awake and supervised make sure she gets several minutes of tummy time throughout the day. If you start early, while you are still in the hospital even, your baby will enjoy tummy time, which is vital for her back and neck muscle development.

Around month three you should begin to notice that your baby is able to hold her head up for longer periods of time and by the beginning of month five, your baby should be doing this with no problem. She will have strengthened her neck muscles during tummy time. At this point, your baby is ready to sit up.

To help your baby sit, put her in a “tripod” position. Sit your baby in a cross-legged position or with legs straight and place her hands on the floor on either side of her knees. This will make her lean forward and use her hands and arms to balance herself. If your baby wants to pick up her hands, gently place your hands on top of hers to hold them in place. Be there to catch her when she falls, and practice daily.

Be wary of using devices such as Boppies and Bumbos too often. While they are fine for occasional use, babies will quickly become reliant on them for support and will use them to balance instead of their muscles.

Around months eight or nine your baby should begin pulling up to stand. She will probably begin pulling up on you and then will progress to furniture, flat surfaces such as walls, and will later be able to stand by herself.

You can aid in this by having her kneel in play. This builds the muscles necessary for standing and walking, and helps improve balance. Place toys a level higher than she can comfortably reach sitting, such as on a footstool, and show her how to kneel and play.
Soon after she can stand on her own, she will begin walking, and then look out! Your baby will be ready to explore her world.