How to encourage pulling themselves up?

Our DD's just turned 11 months and I'm trying to encourage them to pull themselves into a sitting or evening standing position. Usually I take turns working with each by holding their arms and letting them pull against me. Is there anything else I can do to motivate them to start pulling themselves up on their own?

 

One of my boys just learned to stand by pulling himself up the other day. Just wasn't really interested in standing. I wasn't sure he was ever going to get there...he has extremely wobbly legs and just seemed "scared" to pull himself up or maybe because he didn't want to fall. Well, I started to encourage him more by taking out the middle couch cushion so he had something lower to the ground to pull up on. (I would sit on the end cushion and help him up with one arm.) He started to get his leg up underneath him but would then just go into the sitting position. He did that for a few days and then I put the couch cushion back and he worked at pulling himself up into a one legged half standing position (if that makes sense) and we just kept working on it. He's finally venturing out to pull up on more things. Still wobbly in the legs but at least he's trying now. Now we're working with small treats slightly out of reach to get him to side step alongside the couch. Not sure if this is what you're looking for but hope it helps! Good luck!

 

You could try putting a toy or something that interests them on a low table or chair to encourage them to pull up to get it. I also let them hold onto my fingers when they were sitting & they would pull themselves up that way.

 

We had a Leapfrog table that they loved to pull up on.

 

We didn’t worry about it. As soon as our boys noticed that there were ‘interesting things’ that were out of their reach they started pulling up on their own. First it was the changing table since it has two low shelves under it (shelves which are no longer useful for storing anything that one doesn’t want the boys playing with), then it was the crossbar on the highchairs, then the baby gates… now they pull up on anything and everything. I think the key is just to have things around that are the right height.

 

2 words: Cell phone!

Seriously, I'd take something they really wanted (usually my cell phone or a remote) and put it on top of something like an upside down laundry basket or coffee table and let them strive for it.

 

Great ideas everyone! Thanks very much. I'll keep you posted. Hopefully I'll have some exciting news while we're still in the First Years Forum. They turn one on the 22nd I still can't believe it!!

 

Mine turn 1 on the 17th. They don't pull to stand either. They can get to sitting. My boys also get pt. Cell phones are enticing. My one loves to stand holding to the table holding, but he can't get there on his own. Hopefully soon!