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Learning to sit unsupported

Posted by Karen Faulkner on
Learning to sit unsupported

Sitting unsupported is a learnt developmental skill 

I've made a special VLOG (Video Blog) at the bottom of this page explaining and demonstrating it all! Just click on the YouTube link.

Because we carry babies around a lot nowadays, in slings and strollers, babies are less exposed to time on the floor. Combine this with the Back to Sleep Campaign (aka SIDS - which has drastically reduced cot death rates by putting babies to sleep on their backs), there is a delay in developmental upper body strength compared to pre-SIDS campaign days.

Sitting is a skill that can be taught as soon as head lag has gone and your baby has good head support. This can be from 5-6 months of age. If you practice several times a day, for a few minutes each time, your baby will master this skill in about a week.


Don't worry about the age it's achieved - every baby is different. If you're concerned that your baby is late in sitting (7-8months) speak to your doctor, paediatrician or child and family health nurse just to check everything's on track.

Here are some links on development:


  • 6 to 9 months:  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/child-development-3-six-to-nine-months

Safety is paramount

Always make sure you observe baby and stay with them till you think they are unlikely to fall and hit their heads (especially if you have hard floor surfaces such as wood or concrete or tiles).

Here's a link with detail on two techniques for sitting up: https://www.babydevelopmentnews.com/help-baby-sit-up.html

It's important development is sequential and sitting follows on from rolling over. Missing out a stage can result in your baby bottom shuffling rather than crawling.

Balance out floor time

https://nurtureparenting.com.au/baby-stuck-in-sitting-in-the-cot/

Teaching unsupported sitting also increases intelligence! It teaches them about object recognition which is an important cognitive stage. Read this link for more: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/12/121211163504.htm

Here's a YouTube VLOG by me to give you a few ideas. It'll probably make you laugh as well, Hollywood director and editor I am not!!! LOL ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgHrKauJQc4

yt-teaching-your-baby-to-sit-unsupported

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