In this final episode of the gross motor miniseries, paediatric physiotherapist Lisa walks you through exactly how to support your baby’s physical development between 9 and 12 months.

If your baby is rolling, sitting with some balance, pushing up on extended arms, and starting to get mobile on their tummy, this episode gives you the precise activities that help them progress toward crawling, kneeling, pulling to stand, and early cruising.

✨ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

✔ Why gross motor practice is essential for overall development

Lisa explains how movement strengthens muscles, improves postural stability, boosts cognitive development, builds sensory processing skills and encourages a love of movement. Babies learn through their bodies first.

✔ Fun, motivating ways to encourage your baby to practice new skills

• How to choose toys that stimulate multiple senses
• Why repetition builds strength
• How to make activities enjoyable (no overwhelm!)

✨ The Core Activities Covered

1. Moving From Tummy to All Fours

How to help your baby into a strong hands-and-knees position, build stability and begin rocking and early crawling movements.

2. High Kneeling & Saving Reactions

Step-by-step guidance on safely practising kneeling, encouraging balance, and developing protective “saving reactions.”

3. Kneeling at the Sofa

Exactly how to practise supported kneeling, encourage core activation, and transition from side-sitting to kneeling.

4. Pulling to Stand (Two Methods)

• Pull to stand from sitting (“bench sitting”)
• Pull to stand from kneeling (“half kneeling”)
   Including detailed instructions on foot placement, weight-shifting and supporting without doing all the work for your baby.

5. Standing, Shifting Weight & Beginning Cruising

• Side-to-side weight shifts
• Reaching outside the base of support
• Twisting while standing
• Early steps along furniture

Lisa also explains when to seek help for your baby which can be accessed via your health visitor, GP, local physiotherapist, or booking an online consultation with Lisa.

✨ Resources Mentioned

• YouTube video demonstrating pull-to-stand methods 
• Baby-safe vibrating toy (Amazon affiliate link)
• Upcoming downloadable photographic manuals with step-by-step instructions

✨ Connect & Learn More

Visit www.physiobaby.co.uk
for consultations, courses and resources to support your baby’s development.

Connect with Lisa here!

For help on:

Baby Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly and Torticollis), click here!

Positional Talipes (Correctable Club Foot), click here!