How to encourage LO to lock legs

MeatballEsq · February 2013

As I've mentioned on here, my LO isn't a fan of standing. My pedi is concerned. We start PT next week for a different issue, but I'm sure they will address this there too.

In the mean time, do you guys have any ideas on how to encourage him to do so? I try standing him up a lot. So does the DCP. Sometimes he locks his legs, sometimes he pulls them up. If he's in the bouncer or exercauser he usually just lets his legs hang. The DCP recommended getting him a walker (we don't have a stairs issue).

Any other suggestions?

Cheenomae · February 2013

I don't have any advise but am anxious to hear responses as we are going through the same thing with DS. The locking legs issue. We can't get him to stand for any length of time while holding him. Also, if he's in the exercauser he usually just lets his legs hang as well. Was going to bring this up to his Pedi at this 6 mo. well child check.

I did want to ask you though how your little guy is doing with the helmet.

MeatballEsq · February 2013

MiraskTastic:
I think the walker is a good idea! I also bounce LO on MY legs, and then pull him to standing....like lay him on his mat, pull him up to sitting, and then standing. He needs me to hold his torso, but he will stand for a bit that way.
Best of luck!

Thanks! I am going to hold off on buying a walker until I talk to PT next week. If they think it's a good idea, I will do it for sure.

PS - is H wearing baby legs in your siggy? If so, I'm jealous. All of the ones we have are too small for my kiddo's meaty thighs.

MeatballEsq · February 2013

Cheenomae:
I don't have any advise but am anxious to hear responses as we are going through the same thing with DS. The locking legs issue. We can't get him to stand for any length of time while holding him. Also, if he's in the exercauser he usually just lets his legs hang as well. Was going to bring this up to his Pedi at this 6 mo. well child check.
I did want to ask you though how your little guy is doing with the helmet.

He's doing much better, thanks! He barely even notices it now. It makes his head pretty sweaty, so we take it off to wash it and let it air out, but other than that he's good. And I can already notice a difference in his head shape!

KellersPrag · February 2013

When you stand him, clap and say yay? We try to encourage Char to do things by being excited when she does it.
ETA: Sorry that I don't have anything better. :[

BeebopandBuddy · February 2013

DD was this way. She would pull her legs up when we tried to get her to stand and lets just say we still jokingly call the walker we bought "The Stander" because that's all she ever did in it.

Does he sit up? When we had EI for Maya and they assessed her, they told us that what was important was building her core muscles. They suggested we sit her on a ball (while supporting her of course) to help build those middle abdominal muscles.

Have you tried lowering the jumper so that his legs are kind of bent? That might encourage him to straighten his legs and use the muscles through his regular movements.

FTR- Maya was gross motordelayed, she didn't walk until 17 months, but she walks, runs and jumps now at 2 so, even with delays, it all works out ok.

MeatballEsq · February 2013

delaine0821:
DD was this way. She would pull her legs up when we tried to get her to stand and lets just say we still jokingly call the walker we bought "The Stander" because that's all she ever did in it.
Does he sit up? When we had EI for Maya and they assessed her, they told us that what was important was building her core muscles. They suggested we sit her on a ball (while supporting her of course) to help build those middle abdominal muscles.
Have you tried lowering the jumper so that his legs are kind of bent? That might encourage him to straighten his legs and use the muscles through his regular movements.
FTR- Maya was gross motordelayed, she didn't walk until 17 months, but she walks, runs and jumps now at 2 so, even with delays, it all works out ok.

The jumper and exersaucer are as low as they go. His legs are pretty bent in the exercauser. I almost think I need to raise it and maybe that would encourage him?

He's a decent sitter. He still can't do it for more than a few seconds on his own, but he's getting there pretty quickly.

EI comes in 2w so I'm sure they'll evaluate him for all that too. Thanks!

MeatballEsq · February 2013

MiraskTastic:
HA! Baby legs don't fit...haven't for moths. They are sock pants. I've bought about 10,000 from this seller. They're cheap as hell and prolly made in a sweatshop, but I love them...and H does, too. So easy to move in!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-24-Design-Baby-Toddler-Tights-Leggings-Socks-Pants-/390268069780?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

Oh yes! Connor's pal Handsome Jack has several of those too. All the kool kids are doing it, so should Connor I guess.

cautionwillburneyes · February 2013

I respectfully disagree Lois. All three of my kids have used walkers. The first two walked at 9 months old, and I do believe it was because of the leg strength and coordination gained in the walker.

Gunner will stand up while in the walker so that his butt is clear of the seat, and does so frequently. He has gained a lot of leg strength in the short time he has been using it. It also gives him some mobility, which he enjoys. The fun of moving somewhere gets his little legs going.

hmp1 · February 2013

LoisLane23:
I wouldn't do a walker for the same reasons as the bouncer seat and jumperoo. They don't actually teach him to build the leg muscles and stand.

I would hold him by the waist or hands on your lap as much as possible and have him stand up. His knees will probably buckle a bunch of times, but it's muscle memory.

I have a walker and I don't really see the difference in putting him in a walker and a jumperoo. If he isn't locking his legs in the jumperoo, I don't think he will in the walker either.

I have him grab my thumbs and then I wrap my and around his wrists and pull him up from a sitting position to standing. Again and again. He loves being close to my face so he thinks it is the best game ever.

MeatballEsq · February 2013

hmp&mrj:
LoisLane23:
I wouldn't do a walker for the same reasons as the bouncer seat and jumperoo. They don't actually teach him to build the leg muscles and stand.

I would hold him by the waist or hands on your lap as much as possible and have him stand up. His knees will probably buckle a bunch of times, but it's muscle memory.
I have a walker and I don't really see the difference in putting him in a walker and a jumperoo. If he isn't locking his legs in the jumperoo, I don't think he will in the walker either.
I have him grab my thumbs and then I wrap my and around his wrists and pull him up from a sitting position to standing. Again and again. He loves being close to my face so he thinks it is the best game ever.

Yeah that's what I was thinking would happen too.

Thanks I will try pulling him up that way! I'm a little afraid of pulling his arms too much (on the sockets) because he really doesn't lock his legs, but if it seems like there's too much weight on his arms I just won't do it.

Cheenomae · February 2013

tonir319:
Cheenomae:
I don't have any advise but am anxious to hear responses as we are going through the same thing with DS. The locking legs issue. We can't get him to stand for any length of time while holding him. Also, if he's in the exercauser he usually just lets his legs hang as well. Was going to bring this up to his Pedi at this 6 mo. well child check.
I did want to ask you though how your little guy is doing with the helmet.
He's doing much better, thanks! He barely even notices it now. It makes his head pretty sweaty, so we take it off to wash it and let it air out, but other than that he's good. And I can already notice a difference in his head shape!

That's exciting. I love how adaptable these little human beings are.

Wait, did I say adaptable? Why aren't they sleeping through the night and eating exactly how we'd like them too? And why is teething such a disaster? Shouldn't they adapt to that pain? Ugh, maybe I'm asking too much. Lol!!

Seriously though, if you put a helmet on me and just expected me to wear with no complaints it wouldn't happen. I'm happy to hear you're already seeing a difference!!!

hmp1 · February 2013

anitalynn:
tonir319:
MiraskTastic:

HA! Baby legs don't fit...haven't for moths. They are sock pants. I've bought about 10,000 from this seller. They're cheap as hell and prolly made in a sweatshop, but I love them...and H does, too. So easy to move in!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-24-Design-Baby-Toddler-Tights-Leggings-Socks-Pants-/390268069780?ssPageName=ADME:L:OC:US:3160

Oh yes! Connor's pal Handsome Jack has several of those too. All the kool kids are doing it, so should Connor I guess.

Handsome Jack loves his leggings! I learned of them from a twitter/IG friend of mine from MN and the fabulous CruelSound.

Ebay search: baby leggings and you'll find them. They are often on Zulily as doodle pants, but on ebay they are usually $4 with free shipping.

I got mine from alva baby, 3.69 with free shipping. I also have doodle pants, they are the exact same. I'm sure they are made in the same factory.

https://www.alvababy.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=39

Jeberg · February 2013

Maybe try a door way bouncer? Alivia won't stand up in her exerciser but she loves to stand in her bouncer.

Pokedot · February 2013

I think the walker is a great idea too! We just got DS this walker yesterday...

https://www.target.com/p/baby-einstein-baby-neptune-ocean-explorer-walker/-/A-14290204#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink

So far so good. It's something different to catch his attention. I also encourage DS to sit then stand up afterward like transitioning him from one to the other. GL!

cmumama · February 2013

Just wanted to drop in and say good luck at PT next week. He will do great!

Holly_1007 · February 2013

What about a jolly jumper or something of the sort like that?

good luck with PT and EI! Glad the helmet is working and isn't bugging him too much!

danabsd · February 2013

I would just keep doing what your doing. I was getting a little worried because no matter what we did Bebs legs were wet noodles, and so many other LOs were standing. We never tried a walker because we have way to many stairs but everything else mentioned we did.
Last weekend, seemingly out of nowhere on her terms she locked her knees up and BOOM she stands all the time now.
I would definetly not add not to the list of things to worry about and keep doing what your doing. Cheeks is just bein' stubborn, he'll come around!

melody921 · February 2013

Why is your pedi concerned? DD doesn't stand with locked legs either. When are they supposed to do this? And why do I seriously never remember these things from my first child?

MeatballEsq · February 2013

melody921:
Why is your pedi concerned? DD doesn't stand with locked legs either. When are they supposed to do this? And why do I seriously never remember these things from my first child?

Our pedi has been concerned since his 4m appointment, which I personally thought was extremely premmature (since he was 5.5w early). Now he would be 5m1w adjusted and almost 6.5m actual. I'm not sure why she's concerned. Gross motor skills I guess? He's not rolling either, but seems to be working on sitting. I'm not terribly worried about it, but the fact they keep bringing it up is freaking me out I guess?

Oh and we're getting a new pedi, so maybe that will calm some of my worries.

kristyand · February 2013

LoisLane23:
I wouldn't do a walker for the same reasons as the bouncer seat and jumperoo. They don't actually teach him to build the leg muscles and stand.

I would hold him by the waist or hands on your lap as much as possible and have him stand up. His knees will probably buckle a bunch of times, but it's muscle memory.

This. After doing lots of rehab with people I'm not a fan of utilizing external props to develop strength, especially at this age! I know it's hard not to be anxious about these things, particularly when professionals are feeding it but I have every ounce of confidence that he is going to lock his knees, and continue to hit all milestones in due time if you say he is already doing it on occasion. Personally, I would take away any standing props that don't require him to stand on his own to use (so like, the jumper). I would do what someone said earlier, which I do all the time, bring him from lying to sitting to standing. And just let him squat down as he is tired. Doing it again and again.

I haven't read the entire thread so perhaps this has been said. But what about standing him on the bathroom counter. A first started locking her knees and standing due to the excitement of seeing herself in the mirror.

ETA: Also, a very wide stance is helpful at this age. And personally I would not encourage him to walk by shifting weight from foot to foot until he is standing well. I would think that would be contraindicated, which is why I think the walker isn't a great idea (yet). Perhaps once he is locking his knees and showing interest and ability to walk with your aid, you could use a walker to replace you if you desire. I think skipping ahead is what encourages improper gate.

angeleighhh · February 2013

all these are great responses. I'm sure he will do fine! hope PT has some answers for you as we'll. love you guys!! GL!

MeatballEsq · February 2013

kristyandruss:
LoisLane23:
I wouldn't do a walker for the same reasons as the bouncer seat and jumperoo. They don't actually teach him to build the leg muscles and stand.

I would hold him by the waist or hands on your lap as much as possible and have him stand up. His knees will probably buckle a bunch of times, but it's muscle memory.
This. After doing lots of rehab with people I'm not a fan of utilizing external props to develop strength, especially at this age! I know it's hard not to be anxious about these things, particularly when professionals are feeding it but I have every ounce of confidence that he is going to lock his knees, and continue to hit all milestones in due time if you say he is already doing it on occasion. Personally, I would take away any standing props that don't require him to stand on his own to use (so like, the jumper). I would do what someone said earlier, which I do all the time, bring him from lying to sitting to standing. And just let him squat down as he is tired. Doing it again and again.
I haven't read the entire thread so perhaps this has been said. But what about standing him on the bathroom counter. A first started locking her knees and standing due to the excitement of seeing herself in the mirror.
ETA: Also, a very wide stance is helpful at this age. And personally I would not encourage him to walk by shifting weight from foot to foot until he is standing well. I would think that would be contraindicated, which is why I think the walker isn't a great idea (yet). Perhaps once he is locking his knees and showing interest and ability to walk with your aid, you could use a walker to replace you if you desire. I think skipping ahead is what encourages improper gate.

You so smart. Seriously thanks doll. I appreciate your response and I'll try the bathroom counter tonight. He's a huge fan of checking out his mug.

damabo80 · February 2013

cautionwillburneyes:
I respectfully disagree Lois. nbsp;All three of my kids have used walkers. nbsp;The first two walked at 9 months old, and I do believe it was because of the leg strength and coordination gained in the walker. nbsp;Gunner will stand up while in the walker so that his butt is clear of the seat, and does so frequently. nbsp;He has gained a lot of leg strength in the short time he has been using it. nbsp;It also gives him some mobility, which he enjoys. nbsp;The fun of moving somewhere gets his little legs going.

The occupational and physical therapist we had for DD would respectfully disagree with you. Our therapist was very anti walker as it aligns their hips in a non natural way.

Imagine how early your kids would have walked if you didn't use the walker!

OP: I'd hold off on getting any equipment until the PT sees him. Depending on what areas need to be strengthened, she will recommend different stuff. Actually, the only "equipment" we ended up using was a yoga ball. Everything was done using my body as a tool and resistance training.

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