Standing With Anterior Support

Purpose:  

• Develops balance control of the body and legs 

• Helps to develop muscles of the body, back, hips, and legs 

• Allows the child to experience body weight on the feet 

• Helps to free the arms for play or support the body  

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Directions:  

With Chair or Table Support:

Sit on the floor next to a coffee table or chair and stand the child in front of the coffee table or chair. Bring the child’s arms forward and place hands on top of the table or chair so that the child can use the arms for support. Place one of your hands across the child’s bottom and your other hand across the child’s stomach to keep the child’s body and hips straight. Put toys on the coffee table or chair.  

Independently:

Stand or sit on a chair. Stand the child, facing away from you, in front of your legs, and support the child by the shoulders. Allow the child to lean back against your legs. Use your legs to make sure that the child keeps the body upright, hips straight over the feet. When you feel that the child is balanced, let go of the child’s shoulders.  

Recommendations: 

• Keep body and head upright in line with the body 

• Avoid legs far apart, crossed, or too close together  

• Avoid locking knees, standing on toes, or hips bent with the body leaning forward  

• Have an activity on the table or chair for the child to engage with