Standing Cruiser Walk Along Furniture

Stable furniture pieces arranged in a path (couch, coffee table, sturdy chairs)

3-4 interesting toys or objects to place at each stop

Arrange your furniture so the edges create a continuous path your baby can hold onto. A couch leading to a coffee table leading to a chair works perfectly. Keep gaps small — no more than a baby step apart.

Place a different toy or interesting object at each furniture station. A rattle at the couch, a board book at the coffee table, a stacking cup at the chair.

Help your baby to standing at the first piece of furniture. Let them grip the edge securely.

Point to the toy at the next station and say "Look! Can you walk over there?" Your excitement is contagious.

Let your baby shuffle sideways along the furniture at their own pace. Resist the urge to move them — they need to figure out the weight shifting themselves.

When they reach a station, let them play with the toy for a bit. Then redirect their attention to the next stop.

Stay close and spot them, especially at the gaps between furniture pieces. Those transitions are where they build the most courage.

Once they've completed the circuit, swap the toys around and encourage another lap.

Make sure all furniture is stable and won't tip. Push chairs against walls and ensure coffee tables won't slide on the floor.

This activity works best for babies who can already pull to standing (typically 8-10 months), but even younger babies who are supported standing will enjoy the toy stations.

Don't push the gap between furniture pieces too wide too fast. Start with barely any gap and gradually increase the distance as your baby gains confidence.

If your baby plops down between stations, that's fine. Getting back up is great practice too.

The trick to keeping this activity going is the toys at each station. Change them out when interest fades — kitchen items like a wooden spoon or whisk work surprisingly well.