Sitting is an important developmental milestone for babies. Most babies should be able to sit by around 9 months of age though different babies reach this skill at different ages. While some babies learn to sit on their own, others need a bit more push from their parents. Here are top 5 tips to encourage babies to sit
Tried all the dozens of boring tips to encourage your baby to sit? They are just making them cry, right? Try these proven methods, recommended by experts to ultimately make your big baby moment dream come true – watching them play with their beloved toys while sitting unassisted.
In This Article
- At What Age Should Babies be Able to Sit?
- How Do You Help Babies Learn to Sit?
- Top 5 Tips to Encourage Babies to Sit
- When Should I Worry if My Baby Doesn’t Sit?
- FAQ’s
At What Age Should Babies be Able to Sit?
Babies lift their heads lying on their tummy from 2 months of age with assistance. Soon, at 4 months, their neck muscles get strong enough to not need any helping hand. A 6 month old can sit with assistance, and at 9 months the baby should be able to sit without assistance. They just need help to get into a sitting posture which disappears once they reach their first birthday.
How Do You Help Babies Learn to Sit?
Tummy time is the most basic and the easiest exercise to start with, while your baby is still at a very young age. Including this in their daily routine will strengthen their neck muscles, which is necessary for holding the weight of their head while sitting. There are multiple ways to encourage tummy time.
You can either place them on your tummy and encourage them to look at your face by creating sounds, wiggling toys, etc. or place their favorite toys above their head during tummy time. They will encourage them to make an attempt to reach out to their treasure.
[Read : When Do Babies Start Reaching For Objects?]
Top 5 Tips to Encourage Babies to Sit
These tips have passed the test of time and are considered effective by most child experts.
1. Tummy Time
Tummy time after small activities like a diaper change, bathing, and so on should be done by showing babies their precious toys, entertaining them with sounds, etc. The idea is to make this activity as enjoyable as possible and start it from the initial few weeks of their life. It should not be more than a few minutes a day.
[Read : Tummy Time For Babies- A Must Do]
2. Support
Hold them upright in your lap or place them in a c-shaped bumpy cushion when they reach 4 months of age. These cushions will give them a cheerful time and will support them properly.
3. Back Time
Back time strengthens their abdominal muscles, chest and trunk. Strengthening these muscles is as crucial as building the strength of other parts of their body. Make them amazed enough to reach out for their favourite toy attached to their crib.
4. Practice
Let your baby practice sitting. You can use pillows for support. You can also read them stories while placing your hand on their back. Your baby should be around 7-9 months of age to do this exercise which is good for developing coordination to hold their body straight.
[Read : Reading to Your Baby]
5. Make Practice Time Enjoyable
Keep your baby well-fed before your sitting lessons and make their face sparkle with your entertaining and cheerful ways. They will take more interest in all your activities and overall, it will be a fruitful session for both of you.
When Should I Worry if My Baby Doesn’t Sit?
Be relaxed and patient, as every baby progresses at their own pace and has their own ‘normal’. As per the opinions of the American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP), parents should not worry if the baby is not able to sit without assistance around the age of 6 months. However, it is a good idea to reach out to a child healthcare provider if you have any questions about your baby reaching this milestone
Sitting is a normal milestone in babies. Some babies reach this milestone without much effort while others need help. With a few extra steps and measures you can help and encourage your baby to sit confidently.
Helping your little one to sit is a very beautiful moment for a parent. But remember, they shouldn’t be restricted to any one posture for a long time at this growing age.
FAQ’s
1. Is it Normal For a 6 Month Old to Not Sit up?
Most babies should be able to sit with support at this stage. If your baby is not able to sit, you can talk to your pediatrician if this is normal
2. Is it OK to Make Baby Sit With Support?
Yes, it’s totally normal and advisable. Babies need assistance for sitting when they’re 4-6 months old.
3. Is it OK For a Baby to Lean Forward When Sitting?
Yes. Initially, babies use their arms to support themselves and maintain their sitting posture.
Read Also: Top 5 Tips to Encourage Babies to Stand
