Helping baby to move

Standing, cruising and stooping.

Why do it?

When baby has mastered crawling, they’ll start trying to pull themselves up to stand against furniture. Whānau can help baby’s body strength and development by encouraging them.
The time it takes baby to learn to pull to a stand, to cruise and then to stoop will differ. It will be influenced by the opportunities and encouragement they get, by their motor development and strength and by their natural temperament.

Place a toy on a low table where baby can see and try to reach it.
When baby has mastered getting the toy, try placing the toy further along on the table so baby will ‘cruise’ (walk sideways) to get it.
When baby has mastered pulling to a stand and cruising, try putting a toy by baby’s feet, so baby can practise stooping to pick it up.
Baby’s motor skills are still developing. Stay close and support baby until their legs and arms are strong enough to support themselves.
Put the toy just out of reach. But remember baby needs to succeed — not get frustrated because they’re not yet ready to move, or the toy is too far away.

Ngōki	Crawl
Whakapakari	Strengthening, developing
Hīkoitia	To walk
Paneke	Move forward
Ruriruri	Totter, walk unsteadily
E tu	Stand up
Whakawhena	Be steady
Toro(a)	Reach out
Piko	Bend, stoop
Haere mai, haramai	Come here
Tangohia te taonga tākaro	Pick up the toy
Tō tere hoki!	You're so fast!
Me mātakitia	Have a look
Rarautia	Grasp
Tangohia	Take hold of
He aha hei tākaro māu, e te tau?	What would you like to play with, my darling?