Pulls to stand
What is this milestone?
Uses furniture to pull up to standing
Your baby uses furniture, the side of the crib, or your legs to haul themselves from a sitting or crawling position up to a standing posture.
Why it matters
Pulling to stand requires immense leg and core strength. It is the gateway to walking. This milestone also marks a new level of determination and problem-solving as they figure out the mechanics of lifting their own body weight.
What to expect leading up to it
Initially, they will pull up using mostly their arm strength and might lock their knees once standing. They often get 'stuck' standing up because they haven't yet learned how to bend their knees to sit back down safely.
How to encourage and support it
Ensure all heavy furniture (like bookshelves and dressers) is securely anchored to the wall. Help them learn to sit back down by gently bending their knees and guiding their bottom to the floor so they feel safe.
When to talk to your doctor
The CDC's milestone checklists say what most children (75% or more) can do by each age. They list “Pulls up to stand” by 1 year. If your child is not doing this by then, the CDC's advice is not to wait: talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening. The same goes at any age if your child loses a skill they once had, or if anything else about their development worries you. Source: the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” milestone checklists, checked October 5, 2026.
Every child develops at their own pace, and the ages here are the CDC's general guidance — not a developmental screening. This article is not medical advice and is not a substitute for your pediatrician. If you have any concern about your child's development, talk to them.
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