Is It Okay For My Toddler To Squat During Play?
“My 15 month old loves to play in a deep squat...is that okay?”
ANSWER - Let’s talk about how BIG of a skill squatting is, for any age!
The ability to squat down is HUGE for not only transitions to/from standing, but also functional movement, range of motion, leg mobility, the ability to safely navigate your environment and transition between heights/retrieve obstacles, AND it’s a powerhouse play position that targets leg and core strength! Because the ability to squat has such amazing benefits, squats are actually the only nonnegotiable part of my daily 'movement' because they're so hugely beneficial!
The ability to squat down starts emerging once a baby is independently standing with or without hand support- usually around 9-10 months. You’ll notice a progression that often looks something like this:
Pulls to stand with hand support
Doesn’t bend knees much to get OUT of standing and often either falls straight back or to the side
Begins bending knees with hand support
Refines that transition & nails it down!
Squatting as a functional play position often begins once a child is a stable independent walker, often between 16-20 months.
So how can you encourage this skill?!
Pre-walking: try giving varying height surfaces they can use to get from standing to the floor. Things like a laundry basket turned over or a diaper box on its side are great options!
For walking children and older: some of my favorite games are sidewalk chalk with stencils or fun holders, “drawing” in the dirt with a stick, sensory bin play, puzzles, shaving cream drawing on a cookie sheet, and stacking blocks!
If your little (or you) are having trouble with them, starting with having support under their bottom while they squat & play (like a small bench, step stool, your legs, or a pillow) can make a huge difference, and then just reduce the height of that support as it gets easier!
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.
