"My baby can pull to stand but can't get back down, should I help them?"
This is a common question for those early days when a child is learning to pull to stand.
They can often get up, but struggle to get back down again! So this is my number 1 tip for helping babies to LEARN to get back down to the ground themselves.
Provide a lower surface that your baby can pull to stand on.
This doesn't have to be fancy, it can be:
A nappy box (make sure it is weighted so it doesn't flip or slip away)
An upside down bucket (make sure it is weighted so it doesn't flip or slip away)
You could take the couch cushions off the couch is lower for them to pull to stand by
A low washing basket (make sure it is weighted so it doesn't flip or slip away)
Anything really, have a look around at what you have available in your home that you could set up in a space so the baby has access to be able to use it should they choose.
Why does this help?
This allows a surface that baby can learn to pull to stand on BUT it is lower to the ground and means they can often navigate how to get back down easier.
Lowering the surface heigh they are pulling to stand on:
Supports them to figure out how to get down in a way that isn't just flopping to the ground because they can likely squat down a bit and reach the ground with a hand
Helps them build strength, coordination and balance in their legs, torso and body to be able to lower themselves down slowly
Helps them build confidence in their motor skills by making learning the skill more accessible from a lower height, then once they master that height, they will naturally apply it to higher surfaces
So should we help them? Of course if they are in distress! But if they are happy chilling and trying to figure it out, provide a lower surface and watch them navigate this new skill! It is exciting to watch it all unfold.
Full disclaimer: some babies will love flopping to the floor and be unbothered by it. Other babies will scream until they are "saved" when they get stuck in standing. This trick is a handy one to have tucked away as it is applicable to most babies in their pull to stand phase.
Let me know how you go with this tip!