Baby is Finally Sitting Up!

Babies’ ability to sit up on their own is the best indication that their spine is strong enough to hold their bodies. Sitting offers your baby a new perspective on her environment. It also frees both hands, so they are available for exploring. Most babies can sit up on their own at around 9-10 months, although some can do it as early as 8 months, while others – not before 12 months. 

Sitting vs. Sitting Up

There’s a difference between sitting and sitting up: sitting refers to babies’ ability to sit without support when placed in the sitting position. At around 5-6 months of age, if you prop your baby in a sitting position, she will remain sitting. At this stage, she doesn’t yet have the ability to change to another position. Sitting up refers to your baby’s ability to change from a lying position to a sitting position and vice versa.

Sitting and sitting up: facts

• When babies are propped up in the sitting position, harmful pressure may be exerted on the spine, which triggers the need to support themselves with their hands. The result? They can’t use their hands for play and exploration. 
• Babies who are propped up in a sitting position too early remain ‘stuck’ in this position without being able to change into another position. 
• Babies’ ability to sit up on their own is the best indication that their spine is strong enough to support their bodies. 
• If you still want to help your baby to sit, limit this activity for brief periods at a time, make sure your baby doesn’t fall over to the side and that he or she are propped up with the appropriate support. 

Check out our expert video about how to help baby sit up, with tips from a child physiotherapist who specializes in infants.

Any advice and information provided in this website is given as suggestions only and should not be taken as a professional medical diagnosis or opinion. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent.