When Do Babies Start Pulling Themselves Up to Stand?

5 min read

Quick answer: Most babies pull themselves up to stand between 8 and 12 months, though some manage it at 7 months and others not until 13 or 14 months — both ends are normal. It follows sitting unsupported and crawling, and leads on to cruising and first steps. Speak to your health visitor or GP if your baby isn't pulling to stand by 14–15 months.

What parents need to know

The moment your baby hauls themselves upright using the side of the sofa, gripping on for dear life with a look of absolute triumph — it's one of those moments you won't forget. Pulling to stand is a major milestone, and it marks the beginning of the journey towards independent walking.

Typical age	8–12 months
Wider normal range	7 to 13–14 months
Learning to sit back down	Usually clicks within 1–2 weeks
First shoes	Not needed until walking outdoors independently
Speak to health visitor	Not pulling to stand by 14–15 months

When do babies start pulling to stand?

Most babies start pulling themselves up to a standing position between 8 and 12 months. Some do it as early as 7 months; others not until 13 or 14 months. Both ends of that range are normal.

The ability to pull to stand builds on earlier milestones: sitting unsupported, developing core strength, and beginning to bear weight on the legs. By the time most babies can pull to stand, they've been bouncing happily when held upright for several months already.

The sequence of events

Pulling to stand is part of a broader sequence of gross motor development:

Sitting unsupported (usually 6–7 months): core strength and balance
Crawling or shuffling (7–10 months). Building strength and coordination
Pulling to stand (8–12 months). Using furniture as support
Cruising (9–13 months). Walking sideways along furniture
Standing unsupported (briefly at first, then longer) (10–14 months)
First steps (9–15 months)

The standing problem: getting back down

One of the funniest and most sleep-disrupting phases is when a baby can pull up to stand but hasn't yet worked out how to get back down safely. They stand in the cot, crying because they're tired but don't know how to lower themselves to sitting.

The solution: practise! Help your baby lower themselves from standing to sitting during the day by bending their knees gently and guiding them down. They need to build the motor memory for this movement, and with repetition it clicks. Most babies figure it out within 1–2 weeks.

Once your baby can stand, take any large toys out of the cot so they cannot climb on them to get out. This helps prevent serious falls. As your baby starts pulling to stand and reaching, it is also a good time to move the cot away from electrical wires and leads, such as baby monitor cables.

How to encourage pulling to stand

Create pull-up opportunities. Low, stable furniture like a sturdy coffee table or toy box gives your baby something at the right height to grab onto. Make sure it's stable enough to bear their weight without tipping.
Go barefoot where possible. Bare feet give babies better grip and proprioceptive feedback (awareness of their body in space) than socks or shoes when learning to stand.
Encourage cruising. Once your baby is pulling up, arrange furniture so there are safe pathways to cruise along, short gaps to bridge between pieces of furniture.
Continue tummy time and floor play. Strong core and leg muscles are the foundation for standing; time on the floor remains valuable.

Footwear: when and what

Babies don't need shoes until they're walking independently outdoors. Before that, bare feet are best for indoor development. When it is time for shoes, have their feet properly measured at a children's shoe shop. Correctly fitted first shoes matter for healthy foot development.

When to seek advice

Speak to your health visitor or GP if your baby:

Isn't pulling to stand by 14–15 months
Consistently bears weight only on their toes
Has very stiff or very floppy legs
Loses a motor skill they previously had

Frequently asked questions

At what age do babies pull themselves up to stand?

Most babies pull to stand between 8 and 12 months. Some start as early as 7 months, others not until 13 or 14 months, and both ends of that range are normal.

Why does my baby stand up in the cot and cry?

Many babies can pull up before they've learned to lower themselves back down, so they stand in the cot crying because they're tired. Practise bending their knees and guiding them down during the day; most work it out within 1–2 weeks.

Should my baby wear shoes when learning to stand?

No. Babies don't need shoes until they're walking independently outdoors, and bare feet are best for indoor development. When shoes are needed, have their feet properly measured at a children's shoe shop.

When should I speak to a health visitor about pulling to stand?

Speak to your health visitor or GP if your baby isn't pulling to stand by 14–15 months, consistently bears weight only on their toes, has very stiff or very floppy legs, or loses a motor skill they previously had.

Sources & further reading

General information, not individual medical advice. Speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor about your baby’s needs.