My son is 4 1/2 months old and has loved to stand (not on his own) for the past month or so. He supports his weight no problem but obviously has balance issues still. We've told friends and family and some have told us not to let him stand yet for developmental reasons. Some say he could develop "flat feet" and some say "bowlegged". Most don't say anything and are excited. He's not struggling, he's strong enough, he'll be upright for at least 5 minutes, bend his legs and go back up. Old wives tale or something we should stop him from doing?
2006-07-17 05:03:49 · 18 answers · asked by Informed New Yorker 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
These are all myths. There is no reason not to let your baby stand if he is happy in this position. My daughter loved to stand from only a few weeks old and she is totally healthy and walked at seven months.
2006-07-17 05:15:30 · answer #1 · answered by cwoo 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
My daughter was about 3 months and loved doing this. I would walk her around all the rooms of the house. People would say the same thing to me. Now she is 18 months old and she is bowlegged. I dont know if it is from letting her stand or not. She also has a habit of tucking her feet under her butt and sitting on them. My doctor told me not to let her do this because that is what causes them to be bowlegged.
2006-07-18 17:01:59 · answer #2 · answered by amber h 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nothing will happen if you let him stand. It's good for muscle development and balance. It will help when he starts to crawl and walk. It won't make him flat footed or bowlegged. These are old wives tales with no bearing on science or development. Most babies love to bounce on mommies lap, so next time, try to bounce him a little by holding him under the arms and lifting him off your lap. They love it!!
2006-07-17 05:09:51 · answer #3 · answered by odd duck 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My 3 1/2 month old also loves to do this for short periods of time. They love to feel their bodies move and it helps them to develop the muscles in their legs and core. It sounds as though your babe may be ready for an Exersaucer or something of the like.
2006-07-17 05:15:49 · answer #4 · answered by sweetmammaearth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is an old wives tale. How is he going to develop his leg muscles if he doesn't bear weight? Babies appear to have bow legs and flat feet because of all of the baby fat. If you use an Exersaucer, he will be standing in it.
2006-07-17 05:08:31 · answer #5 · answered by therego2 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my then 4 1/2 month old did the same thing. Now 6mths, my husband loves to let him do it and even lets him walk around (supported of course)...there are sooooo many wives tells out there about what babies should and shouldnt do but, God knew what he was doing with babies and they are equipped for the major as well as minor things. my only suggestion would be, put on some walking shoes to strengthen those ankles and let him be.
Only you, your baby and your doctor know whats best.
have fun!
2006-07-17 05:08:52 · answer #6 · answered by bib 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the baby can stand by itself and can get down by itself, I would say let it do it's thing. My baby was standing at 5 months and running at 7 months. Some babies do their own things.
2006-07-17 05:07:55 · answer #7 · answered by cows4me79 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My second son was doing this at birth! He also always held his own head up! I couldn't believe it! I don't see anything wrong with it, it's building up the strength in his legs and that's good! Get him a walker and he'll do it by himself too!
2006-07-17 05:08:48 · answer #8 · answered by ♥Stranger In Maine™♥ (Thriller) 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I work with infants and Yes it can cause the problems you mentioned so we do not advise parents to not allow their infants do this too often. My daughter did this at a young age too, and I let her do it a little but would limit how long I would let her do it.
2006-07-17 05:30:25 · answer #9 · answered by Melissa 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mine did too. She's 6 and she's neither flat footed or bowlegged.
2006-07-17 05:09:59 · answer #10 · answered by wishorstish 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋