When Do Babies Pull Up to Knees? Understanding This Important Milestone
Quick Answer: Babies typically start pulling up to knees (kneeling) between 8-10 months, usually after they've mastered crawling. This crucial pre-walking milestone strengthens hip and core muscles needed for standing and helps develop balance and coordination essential for walking.
If you've noticed your baby getting up on their knees or "standing on knees," you're witnessing an important developmental milestone that often gets overlooked. Kneeling is a crucial transition stage between crawling and walking that builds the strength and coordination your baby needs for independent standing.
What Does Kneeling Look Like?
Kneeling is when babies pull themselves up into an upright position while supporting their weight on their knees rather than their feet. This position allows babies to be upright and explore at a higher level while building the muscle strength needed for eventual standing.
During this phase, babies often move between sitting on their heels and rising up to stand on their knees. This repeated up-and-down movement strengthens important muscle groups needed for walking.
When Do Babies Typically Start Kneeling?
Most babies begin pulling up to knees between 8-10 months of age, though the timeline can vary. Kneeling usually occurs after babies have become confident crawlers and are starting to show interest in getting into more upright positions.
Typical progression timeline:
7-9 months: Baby may start attempting to pull up to knees
8-10 months: Consistent kneeling and moving between sitting and kneeling
9-11 months: Confident kneeling while playing and reaching for toys
10-12 months: Transitioning from kneeling to pulling up to standing
Some babies may reach this milestone earlier or later while still being completely normal.
Why Is Kneeling Important for Development?
Kneeling serves as a bridge between crawling and walking, providing specific developmental benefits that prepare babies for upright mobility.
Strengthens essential muscle groups through the repeated motion of moving from sitting to kneeling. This movement pattern specifically targets the glute muscles (hip and buttocks muscles) that are important for standing and walking stability.
Builds core strength as babies must engage their abdominal and back muscles to maintain the upright kneeling position. This core stability is essential for balance during standing and walking.
Develops balance and coordination by requiring babies to control their body position while upright. Learning to balance on their knees helps babies understand how to stabilize their body in preparation for standing on their feet.
Enhances spatial awareness as babies experience being at a new height and learn to judge distances and reach for objects from this elevated position.
How Can I Encourage Kneeling Development?
Creating the right environment and opportunities helps your baby practice and master this important skill.
Raise toys to kneeling height by placing favorite toys on low furniture like couches, coffee tables, or storage ottomans. Remove couch cushions to create the perfect height for kneeling practice. This setup naturally encourages your baby to pull up to knees to reach their toys.
Provide stable support surfaces that are tall enough to encourage kneeling but sturdy enough to support your baby's weight safely. Low furniture with rounded edges works well, as do specialized play tables designed for this purpose.
Create motivation to kneel by placing interesting toys, books, or activities at kneeling height. Rotating toys regularly keeps your baby interested and motivated to practice getting into the kneeling position.
Ensure safety by baby-proofing the area around kneeling practice spaces, checking that furniture is stable and won't tip, and always supervising when your baby is practicing new skills.
What Comes After Kneeling?
Kneeling naturally progresses toward standing and eventually walking as your baby builds strength and confidence.
Next developmental steps typically include pulling up to standing while holding furniture, cruising along furniture while standing, standing independently for short periods, and taking first independent steps.
Timeline expectations show that babies usually progress from confident kneeling to pulling up to stand within 1-2 months, though individual timelines vary. Some babies spend more time perfecting kneeling skills, while others move quickly through this phase.
When Should I Be Concerned?
While babies develop at different rates, certain signs may warrant professional evaluation to ensure optimal development.
Consider consultation if your baby shows no interest in getting into upright positions by 11-12 months, seems to have significant weakness in one side compared to the other, or consistently avoids weight-bearing activities.
Seek evaluation for persistent asymmetries in movement patterns, delays in multiple developmental areas, or concerns about muscle tone or strength.
Most babies progress through kneeling naturally, but early intervention can be helpful if there are underlying issues affecting development.
The Bottom Line
Kneeling is an important but often overlooked milestone that bridges crawling and walking. This phase typically occurs between 8-10 months and provides crucial strength building and balance development that prepares babies for standing and walking.
By understanding the importance of kneeling and creating opportunities for your baby to practice this skill, you're supporting their natural developmental progression toward independent mobility. Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and providing encouragement and safe practice opportunities is the best way to support their growth.
For comprehensive guidance on supporting your baby's motor development milestones, check out my book "Meaningful Movement: A Parent's Guide to Play".
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it normal for my baby to skip the kneeling phase? A: Some babies do go directly from crawling to pulling up to stand without spending much time kneeling. While kneeling provides good strength building, skipping it isn't necessarily concerning if overall development is progressing.
Q: How long should my baby be able to kneel? A: Initially, babies may only kneel for a few seconds. As they develop strength and balance, they'll be able to maintain kneeling for several minutes while playing.
Q: Should I help my baby get into the kneeling position? A: It's better to create opportunities that encourage your baby to get into kneeling independently rather than placing them in the position. This helps them develop the strength needed to achieve and maintain the position on their own.
Q: What if my baby can kneel but won't transition to standing? A: Babies often perfect one skill before moving to the next. Continue providing opportunities at slightly different heights to encourage progression toward standing when your baby is ready.
Q: Are there any safety concerns with kneeling practice? A: Always supervise kneeling practice, ensure furniture is stable, and baby-proof areas at kneeling height. Most kneeling practice is quite safe when proper precautions are taken.
Related Topics
P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.
When you shop using the links above, Physical Therapy for Infants earns a very small portion of what you spend at no additional cost to you.