Once you get past the newborn phase and your little one becomes more active, you’ve probably wondered: When do babies sit up?
The ability to sit upright without toppling over and without assistance gives your baby a new perspective on life. Once babies sit up, they can begin to explore and play with the toys around them, take in their surroundings from new angles, and begin preparing for movement. It’s an exciting milestone.
When do babies sit up independently?
All babies are different, and it’s important to think of developmental milestones as guidelines. While some babies meet milestones within a certain range, many are all over the place. You might find that you have a baby who is all over the place trying to sit and crawl, but hardly utters a sound or a baby who babbles non-stop but has no interest in moving his body. This perfectly normal.
You can look forward to your baby sitting up somewhere between the ages of 4 to 7 months. By this time, your baby will already have mastered holding her head up and some version of rolling over. Building neck strength plays a crucial role in sitting upright.
Most babies can sit independently for several minutes by about 8 months, and many will begin trying to propel themselves forward at around this time as well. You can expect them to topple over as they continue to master balance and control. You might also notice that upon toppling, your baby immediately gets to work on pushing herself back up. That’s a good thing. Using her muscles to balance, push herself up, and hold herself up prepares your baby for crawling and walking.
How can I help my baby learn to sit up?
Independent sitting doesn’t occur until your baby can hold her head up. While it might be tempting to prop your baby up on pillows for a better view of her surroundings, the best way to help your baby develop the muscles she needs is to let her use them.
You’ll notice that your baby starts holding her head up and pushing off the ground a bit during tummy time at around 4 months of age. As your baby continues to prop herself up on her tummy, her neck and back muscles are building strength. By about 5 months, some babies are able to sit up unsupported for a moment—but stay close. Babies topple quickly! By about 7 months, your baby should be able to sit for longer periods, using her arms to support herself and explore her surroundings.
How to Encourage a Baby’s Muscle Development:
- Do plenty of tummy time. Don’t just plop your baby down for tummy time, remain engaged. Hold an interesting toy in front of her to encourage her to look up. Sing, clap hands, and make silly faces to make tummy time more fun.
- Stay close when your baby sits. Sit near your baby an introduce interesting toys just out of reach to encourage both balance and reaching. This will help your baby work on muscle control and forward movement.
- Promote free movement. Too much time spent in infant seats, swings, or strollers can actually hinder development. Babies need plenty of time to practice using their bodies to develop strength and coordination. Take a walk to the park and enjoy the fresh air, just be sure to bring a play blanket to get your baby out of the stroller and on her tummy!
What if my baby can’t sit up?
While most babies master sitting upright by about 8 months, some don’t. Babies develop skills differently, and premature babies often need extra time to meet milestones. If your baby isn’t holding her head up by about 4 months and hasn’t started propping herself up by 5 to 6 months, or isn’t sitting independently by 9 months, it’s a good idea to check in with a pediatrician.
As with all developmental milestones, don’t rush it. Babies learn best when they are given the opportunity to use their bodies and practice these skills.
Photo: Getty
