How To Practice Stairs With Baby When You Don’t Have Stairs
“Best way to get stair practice when we don’t have stairs?”
ANSWER- First, please don’t stress if you don’t have stairs! There are so many opportunities that closely mimic single leg stance and stair climbing.
Stepping off/on a stool, navigating a curb or uneven terrain, getting dressed in standing to encourage single leg stance, stepping on/off a couch cushion, crib mattress, or pillow on the floor…basically any time they are standing on only one leg, they’re targeting similar muscles and functional patterns that carry over to the stairs. Especially if there are no underlying motor concerns, specifically seeking out stairs from a developmental standpoint just isn’t unusually necessary!
Hope this helps!
Want more?
For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.
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KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.
