Cruising and Pulling Up
To support development of standing, balance, and early walking through safe cruising opportunities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Physical Development
- Learning area: Physical Development
- Level: EYFS Birth-2
Objectives
- Pulls to standing
- Cruises along furniture
- Shows increasing balance
- Takes steps with support
Materials
- Low stable furniture for pulling up
- Push-along walkers
- Motivating toys placed along routes
- Safe, clear floor space
Instructions
ASSESSING READINESS: Watch for signs baby is ready: pulling to kneeling, reaching up to grab furniture edges, strong standing when held. Don't rush—they'll show you when they're ready.
CREATING SAFE OPPORTUNITIES: Ensure furniture is sturdy and won't tip. Secure bookcases to walls. Create 'cruising routes' with stable furniture close enough to move between. Remove sharp corners or add corner protectors.
POSITIONING MOTIVATING TOYS: Place interesting toys along the cruising route—a rattle on one end of the sofa, a shiny object at the other. This gives baby a reason to move along.
STAYING CLOSE: Position yourself near enough to catch baby if they fall (they will!). Don't hover anxiously—babies sense anxiety—but be ready. Falls are part of learning; your calm response teaches them falls aren't scary.
ENCOURAGING STEPS: When baby is confident cruising, you can encourage stepping by placing toys slightly beyond reach, or by sitting a short distance away and encouraging them to come to you: 'Come to me! You can do it!'
USING PUSH WALKERS: Sturdy push-along walkers (not baby walkers that babies sit in) are great for this stage. They give support while allowing baby to control movement. Supervise closely.
CELEBRATING EFFORT: Cheer every attempt, successful or not: 'You pulled up! Look at you standing!' 'Oops, you fell—you're okay! Up you get, try again!' Make the learning process joyful.
ALLOWING BARE FEET: When safe, let babies cruise barefoot. Bare feet give better grip and sensory feedback than slippery socks or stiff shoes. This helps balance development.