Does standing up too much when young affect babies' bones?

[littlepig]

My dad seems quite sure that my 7mo son should not be allowed to stand up bearing his own weight too much as it might harm his bones... something about them being too soft to take the weight and there being a risk of deformation/ malformation, I think.

I've never come across anything about this but he seems so sure and isn't prone to talking nonsense so just wondered...

(LO likes to stand a lot at the moment...)

[nickytwotimes]

Tis rubbish.
Weight bearing helps to strengthen bones.

[skirmish]

seems to be a thing with older generations that kids that stand too much end up bow-legged...both mine would stand all day if they could, and no problems here

[thisisyesterday]

hmmm well both my boys were standing up and cruising round furniture at 7 months and it doesn't seem to have done them any harm.,

[nowwearefour]

twas an old wives myth perpetrated when we were little i think. tis rubbish i agree with nickytwotimes

[meandmyjoe]

My ds stod CONSTANTLY from 8 months and still never sits down now! He walked early and his legs are perfect. IMO if they want to weight bare and they are able to do so then it's fine. If he was hurting his legs then he wouldn't do it, as after a while it would get painful on his joints.

[littlepig]

Tis what I thought but didn't like to 'dis' the old man

[Hulababy]

Old wives tales AFAIK. DD was always an upright baby, always on her feet. She was up and about cruising at 5 months. No problems re. bow legged, etc though.

My HV said if they have the muscle control to weight bare anyway then theya re fine stood. If they didn't have the muscle to eight bare they would just fall anyway.

[tori32]

No, tis complete rubbish. Contrary to old people beliefs they do not become bow legged. Also contrary to popular belief babies do have knee caps, just not calcified.
My dd1 (now 2.5yrs)took weight on her legs from 10 wks and dd2 now 5mths has been standing with me holding her forearms from 8wks, dd1 has no problems with hips/bow legs.
It helps them to develop muscle tone and strength for walking.

[tori32]

dd1 was also cruising at 7mths

[SqueakyPop]

I think it is a generational thing. I think my parents said the same thing.

I wouldn't force a baby to stand up but if they are determined, then there is not a lot you can do to stop them.

[littlepig]

That's cool.

I will continue to let him stand as often as he wants for as long as he wants

[PupandHat]

If he wasn't ready to do it, he simply wouldn't. Sometimes the child actually knows best.