Bearing weight

[ftm4]

When people say a baby should be bearing weight on their legs, does that mean fully standing and supporting their entire weight, or just bearing some weight whilst being held under their arms by an adult? My 10 month old DD can do the latter but if I let go she will fall. She also leans the top half of her body forward a bit whilst in standing position so isn’t fully upright. Is it anything to be concerned about?

It means bearing weight while supported, under the arms or leaning against a sofa for example. And they all do it at different times. My eldest didn’t walk until 17 months and showed little inclination to stand, pull up or surf around furniture before then. My youngest loved bearing weight on his legs from no age and couldn’t wait to walk.

Yes as PP said it means bearing some weight, as in not lifting their legs up like newborns do. My DS is 10 months and exactly the same as yours - I can hold him by his arms now and he wobbles around upright for a few seconds. Very recently I had to hold him by his armpits.

Thanks. I’ve also noticed DD stands on tiptoes a lot - is there any way I can encourage her to use her whole foot?

Do you mean tiptoes when holding her or tiptoes on a bouncer? Bouncers should be avoided because they encourage an unhealthy position I think.

She goes on tiptoes both in her bouncer and when I’m holding her. She only uses her bouncer about 4 times a week for a 10-15 minute burst, but I’m worried it’s encouraged her not to stand properly!

I’m sure it’s fine. Maybe she’s just not quite ready to stand yet. I think sitting rockers are maybe better if you need to do stuff. Do you follow milestones and motherhood on Instagram? She has v good exercises and tips

My DDs nursery advised us to give it a name such as toes or feet and point to her feet. They also said to nip it in the bud in case it affects the muscle at the back of the leg/foot. This does work - so we say 'toes' and she corrects her feet. DD still does it now aged almost 2 but not as much.