Milestones That Are Gamechangers: Standing

By Viv Schaffel

Shared by Jennifer
For parents, mobility milestones are kind of a double-edged sword: they’re exciting but, at the same time, it's exhausting to think of all the chasing around that lies in store!

Before the chase, baby has to learn how to stand on her own two feet. At anywhere from 8-10 months, your crawler's going to realize her biceps are good for pushing up off her knees and her leg muscles will develop enough strength to bear weight on her feet.

In my experience, this first most often occurs covertly in the crib, when we parents aren't around to see it go down. The rungs are just the right size for tiny hands to grip onto and the railing is just the right height to lean against. I’ll never forget the day when I walked in on my cutie in her room, standing and staring at me nonchalantly like her new stance was no biggie. Just don't forget to adjust your crib mattress to the lowest possible notch, so your little one doesn't topple out while practicing her handy new skill behind your back!

The sofa was also the perfect height for my baby to take a stand. This led to the most innocent embodiment of the term "cruising" when she learned to walk by leaning up against furniture in our home. My baby was up and at ‘em around 11 months. Remember -- each baby is unique and will reach milestones at her own pace.

It won't be long before baby will adjust to her new life in the upright position and be full-on ready for take off!

Viv Schaffel is a freelance journalist and essayist who writes for a vast array of publications, including CBS Watch!, The New York Times, Working Mother and The New York Post. She writes/performs sketch comedy and is an upstanding member of US Weekly’s Fashion Police, poking fun at red carpet risks.

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