Learn How Your Baby's Sitting Skills Unfold
Here’s what you can expect to see as your baby's sitting skills develop…
Beginning around 5-6 months...
Your baby will be able to “prop sit” with their hands propped on the floor in front of them, slightly folded over, but with their chest off their legs.
Then, when your baby is placed in a sitting position, they will be able to balance without propping on their hands. Usually mastered by 6-8 months.
Once stable in sitting, your baby will be able to maintain sitting balance while holding a toy with both hands, or while looking around.
Usually beginning around 6 months, your baby will begin to demonstrate protective extension to the left and right. That means, when they lose their balance to the side, they put out their arm to block their fall.
Around 7-9 months…
Your baby will be able to get out of sitting by placing their hands on the floor in front of them, slightly to the side, and lowering down to their belly. Their legs will become untucked and straighten behind them. They should be able to do this to the left and right sides comfortably.
Your baby will learn to get up into sitting on their own through side sitting.
Your baby will be able to get into a side-sitting position, comfortably to the left and right sides.
If you like this kind of granular breakdown of skills…
Then you'll really like “Meaningful Movement: A Parent’s Guide To Play”
P.S. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for skilled physical therapy intervention. While I am a physical therapist, I am not your child's physical therapist. If you have questions or concerns about your child's health and/or development, please contact your pediatrician.