Pulling Up & Cruising: When & How | Parenting Hub
Pulling to stand usually starts at 8–10 months and cruising (walking holding furniture) follows. Here's how to keep play safe as baby goes vertical.
Pulling up on the couch, then side-stepping along it — cruising is the bridge between crawling and walking. Most babies cruise between 9–13 months before taking independent steps.
Typical progression
- 7–9 months: pulls to kneeling, then to stand on furniture
- 9–12 months: cruises sideways along the couch, lowers down with control
- 10–14 months: lets go and stands, first independent steps
How to support it
- Stable furniture at chest height (couch, low coffee table)
- Bare feet or non-slip socks on hard floors
- Push toys (weighted walker wagons) once standing well — not jolly jumpers or baby walkers
- Get down low and cheer — motivation matters
Safety as they go vertical
- Anchor TVs, bookcases and chests of drawers to the wall
- Move heavy/breakable items above cruising height
- Pad sharp coffee-table corners
- Check for window safety latches and pool/balcony gates
When to see a doctor
See your GP or MCH nurse if your baby isn't bearing weight on legs by 9 months, isn't pulling to stand by 12 months, or only stands on tiptoes.
When to seek help
- Not bearing weight on legs by 9 months
- Not pulling to stand by 12 months
- Persistent tiptoe standing
- Loss of standing or sitting ability
Common questions
Are baby walkers OK?
Sit-in baby walkers are not recommended — they delay walking, can cause injuries and don't teach balance. Push-along weighted walkers are safer once baby is already standing well.
How long between cruising and walking?
Usually 2–3 months. Some babies cruise confidently for ages, then suddenly walk at 14–15 months. Both are normal.