Stage 2 - Vertical
4-6 Months
BUILDING STABILITY, BALANCE, AND INDEPENDENT SITTING
Once babies can organize through their midline and move across the floor, they begin learning how to work with gravity in a completely new way.
The Vertical Stage develops trunk control, sitting balance, reaching, and the foundations neeed for crawling, standing, and walking.
This stage isn't just about sitting up. It's about learning to organize with gravity in the vertical world.
THE 2 KEY MILESTONES OF THIS STAGE
WHAT IS HAPPENING
The baby is learning how to control their center of gravity in a vertical position. This requires the coordination of muscle activation, balance reactions, visual control, and postural stability.
This is active control, not just staying upright
SIGNS THE SYSTEM MAY NEED SUPPORT
- Difficulty grabbing or finding their feet
- Trouble maintaining sitting balance
- Fals backward or to the side often
- Uses one side more than the other
- Difficulty reaching or rotating
- Stiffness or limited trunk movement
These signs are not a diagnosis. They indicate that the system may need support to build a stronger movement foundation.
WHY THIS STAGE MATTERS
Grabbing the feet is the first sign of vertical organization. Baby brings hands and feet together at midline, building body awareness, pelvic control, and core activation.
Independent Sitting is when the baby sits upright without support, demonstrating balance, trunk control, and the ability to explore with the hands free.
