As Your Baby Learns to Sit
When your child is between four and six months old, you should be able to help your child into a sitting position. This process can be somewhat confusing. You may even be worried if your child is unable to sit on her own by the time she is six months old. There is no need to worry - a few pointers could help you learn more about helping your baby sit for the first time.
Before Helping Your Child Sit for the First Time
You can do a few things to help your child build up his or her muscle strength. When he or she is between three and four months old, you can build your child's strength by propping his or her body up. You can do this by gathering pillows and propping them around your child. This will help your child stay upright. While your child sits upright, you should try to keep your child entertained. This will help your child actually enjoy staying upright. Be sure that you stay on the same level as him or her. You can also help your child stay upright by propping a pillow behind his or her back while he or she is in a stroller. This pushes your child into a sitting position.
Premature Birth Causing Sitting Problems
If your child was born prematurely, it may take longer for your child to learn certain things. It may also take longer for your child to develop the motor skills needed to perform acts such as sitting in an upright position. Before your child can even begin to learn how to sit up on his or her own, your child will have to master the following skills:
- Your child should be able to hold his or her head up steadily
- Your child should be able to roll over in both directions. Help him or her if you need to.
- Your child should also be able to prop his or her head and chest up when lying on his or her stomach.
When Your Child is Four Months Old
When your child is four months old or earlier, you should be able to pull him or her up into a sitting position. By this age, he or she should have enough control over his or her back and neck muscles. If he or she does not have control over the back muscles and neck muscles, his or her head may roll down towards the navel. In addition, when you pull your child up at this age, his or her head may fall backward at first. After your child is sitting upright, be sure that you hold his or her head steady. Doing this while your child is around four months old, can help him or her get used to sitting up.
When Your Child is Around Five Months Old
When your child is between five and six months old, he or she should begin to gain more control over his or her muscles. This can help your child keep his or her head in line with the chest and the shoulders. By the time your child is around six months old, he or she should be able to do most of the work when you are helping your child pull his or her body up. When your child shows strength while sitting up, you can give your child support while he or she pulls up. After your child is sitting upright, he or she should be able to remain in this position for quite some time.
Baby Proof Your Home
Your child may be able to hold a steady position, but he or she still needs to work hard at doing so. Do not let your child sit up in a chair, a couch, or a bed alone. In addition, if your child is on the floor, prop pillows around him or her so she has a safe place to land if he or she falls.
