Baby sitting position: what you need to know

Generally, around the age of 7 to 9 months, babies begin to sit up independently. This milestone results from the progressive strengthening of the trunk, back and neck muscles, as well as the development of balance and coordination. Before reaching this stage, your baby will go through several phases, including head control, rolling over and getting onto all fours, all of which prepare the body for sitting up.

It can be tempting to sit your baby up before they are ready, thinking it will support their development. However, forcing this position too early can lead to muscle tension, inappropriate postural compensations and a reliance on external support. It can also affect their comfort and safety, as they have not yet developed the skills needed to hold this position unaided. This is why the team atAwareness and Advice values and encourages free movement. 

To support your child through this stage, favour an approach that respects their own pace. To encourage your baby's seated position, consider: 

• Floor play time : Let your baby spend time playing freely on the floor. This allows them to discover their body, explore new positions and strengthen their muscles without any constraint. The floor is a fundamental space for acquiring motor skills and for the next stages.
• Encourage tummy time: Regularly place your baby on their tummy to strengthening the neck muscles and back muscles, essential for the future seated position. This also encourages them to push up on their arms to lift their head, which will help strengthen the muscles of the neck, shoulders, arms and back. This muscular development will help them sit without support.
• Offer floor-based play: Offer toys that encourage them to lean forwards or pivot, promoting the development of balance and coordination.
• Avoid support devices : Do not place your baby in a seated position using cushions or seats designed for this purpose, as this may interfere with their natural development.
• Support without imposing : If your baby is starting to settle into a seated position, you can help by providing gentle support, without forcing it.
• Encourage free movement : Give your child a safe space where they can explore and move freely. By being able to naturally move from one position to another, they will gradually strengthen their muscles and balance, making it easier to achieve a seated position independently and with confidence.

Once your baby has mastered it, the sitting position offers many benefits:

• Development of fine motor skills : It allows them to manipulate objects with their hands, promoting eye-hand coordination.
• Exploration of the environment: Sitting up, they have a better overall view, which stimulates their curiosity and learning.
• Muscle strengthening: Maintaining the sitting position engages and strengthens the core and back muscles.

You can find plenty of advice on how babies learn to sit up on the app All In Family entirely created by the team of 21 professionals at Eveil&Conseil. 

However, if your baby shows no interest in sitting up or seems to be having difficulty achieving it beyond 9 months of age, seek advice from a paediatrician or a healthcare professional specialising in child development. They will be able to assess your baby's development and advise you on the best approach to take.

Learning to sit is an important milestone in a baby's psychomotor development. By respecting their pace and supporting them with care, you encourage their independence and wellbeing.