Balancing Acts

Helping Baby Become Confident and Mobile

By Renee Roberson

• Placing Baby on his tummy while he's still awake will encourage him to lift his head.
• Begin by talking above his head.
• Within a few weeks, place a brightly colored toy in front of him to catch his attention.

As the muscles in Baby's lower back become stronger and more balance is required, a baby's ability to sit up improves until she becomes able to sit unsupported. After that, your baby will begin testing her balance by reaching for objects, turning her head and twisting her body to look at things around her.

Dr. Shu says she usually begins showing parents how to help their babies get into a "tripod" sitting position (where Baby sits on her bottom with arms facing straight out or positioned against the floor for balance) at the 4-month well visit. She advises parents to support Baby with pillows and stay close by as Baby is still a little wobbly and top heavy at this stage and likely to topple over.

By about 6 months most babies have developed more balance and can sit up well without support. Try surrounding your baby with pillows as soon he can hold his head up on his own to help to develop the important skill of trunk control.

On average, Dr. Shu says most babies will begin pulling up on furniture around 9 months of age and begin "cruising," or walking holding onto objects and furniture shortly thereafter. Around 10 months of age babies will usually try standing on their own without holding on to anything for a few seconds at a time.

"On average most infants begin walking between 12 and 14 months of age with a range of 8 to 18 months," Dr. Shu says. "At first they won't be able to keep their balance. They can't coordinate everything and they'll get ahead of their own development."

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