Pulling baby up by hands/arms

[mintybluemoo]

Advice needed please!

The other day I caught my MIL (gently) pulling my 5 month old up into a standing position by her wrists.

DD can't sit unassisted yet and I don't really feel comfortable with MIL doing this as I'm worried that as DD can't support herself yet she will be hurt or her elbows will dislocate!!

DH thinks it is fine and will help DD to walk.

Am I being precious or am I right that this is a silly thing to do?

I actually hate that too and used to watch my friend doing it a lot and wince. I have no idea if it is ok to do it physiologically I just know i hate the look of it.

I don't know whether or not it can do damage, but you don't need to help babies to walk. They learn that naturally, and need to go through each stage at their own pace.

I wouldn't like this either. There are quite a few negatives to forcing babies to sit/walk before they are ready. Maybe show her this article?

As long as its done gently then it'all be fine. I wouldn't worry. It'll make sod all difference to them walking though.

As long as it's not by her hands as wrists are so very soft in babies. Agree there is no need to pull her up to her feet though. She's a long way off walking, it would be more beneficial to encourage sitting or crawling first (these are all important steps towards walking - forgive the pun!).