Ask Our Expert - Four-Month-Old Loves to Stand Up

November 21, 2009

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Specialist in pediatric behavior and development.


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Ask Dr. Needlman Four-Month-Old Loves to Stand Up

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Needlman, My four-month-old daughter enjoys "standing up" when she is being supported by an adult. Is there any danger of putting too much pressure on her joints by doing this? — Rebecca in NYC in New York

ANSWER	May 29, 2001


Dear Rebecca, There is no danger whatsoever in your daughter's standing up. Lots of babies get a big kick out of being vertical. This is clearly a case of, "if your baby loves it, it's probably good for her." Of course, this motto doesn't apply to clearly dangerous activities, such as putting small objects in the mouth or playing with electrical cords. But when it comes to rolling, kicking, reaching, banging, sitting, pulling up, and walking holding on babies seem to know when and how much to do these things in order to optimize their development. — by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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