Watching your baby grow stronger each day is exciting, but one big milestone parents often worry about is sitting up without support. When should it happen? What if it doesn’t? And how can you help your baby build the strength and balance they need?

My name is Amy, and I am the PR and Marketing Associate here at Joy & Laughter Developmental Therapy. And for today’s video, we’re going to be talking about when your baby should be able to sit up without any support.

Babies Should Be Able to Sit Unsupported Between 6 to 9 Months

Babies typically sit up with support somewhere between 4 to 6 months, and then that progresses to them being able to sit up without support somewhere between 6 to 9 months. This is an extremely crucial milestone because it helps with strengthening their muscles, improving balance, and preparing them for future advanced movements such as standing or crawling.

Sitting requires really strong and optimal back muscles in order to maintain an upright posture. That helps with core muscle strength and helps babies develop balance and control over their movements, which is called postural control. Then, as babies sit, they also improve their hand-eye coordination which allows them to reach and explore different objects around them. And as an added bonus, sitting upright also supports digestion, which helps reduce reflux and constipation.

What Happens if Your Baby Doesn’t Learn to Sit Unsupported?

If a baby is struggling to sit up independently beyond 9 months, they might struggle with things such as poor core muscle strength, weak postural control, and difficulty with coordination. These challenges could delay their other motor skills such as crawling or walking.

Additionally, poor posture while sitting can impact their digestion, which can make feeding and bowel movements a little more difficult.

How to Encourage Your Baby to Sit Without Support

If you’re wondering how to help your baby learn to sit independently, here are some simple strategies that can support their development:

  • Tummy time. Tummy time is one of the best ways to build the strength your baby needs to sit. It helps strengthen their neck, their back, and their core muscles, which are all essential to sitting.
  • Minimize time in baby gear. Prolonged time in baby seats, swings, or carriers limits your baby’s movement and their muscle development.
  • Encourage interactive play. Place toys just in front of your baby to motivate them to reach, shift their weight, and practice balancing. Letting your baby play on a flat, open surface gives them the freedom to move and explore.
  • Support their posture. You can sit behind your baby to provide extra support, or use pillows around them as they practice sitting. This gives them the confidence to try sitting on their own while still keeping them safe.
  • Consult a physical therapist. If your baby is struggling to sit or they seem a little weaker than expected, seeing a pediatric physical therapist can help because they can assess their muscle strength and recommend exercises.

Contact JLD Therapy for Personalized Support

If you have any concerns for your kiddo in regards to sitting, or if you’re worried about any other aspect of their development, we would love to help you out. Feel free to give us a call at (408) 337-2727 today.