Watching your baby slowly move through their developmental milestones can be exciting. I was the mom with a picture for their first everything, including their first time sitting up without falling over.
Developmental milestones are more than just fun mommy moments, though.
They’re really important to help your little one develop the skills that they need for future milestones, so it’s important that your baby learn how to sit up successfully.
In this article
How Old Are Babies When They Sit Up?
Most babies sit up by the time that they are 6 months old. Some babies might sit up earlier at 4-5 months old. Likewise, your little one might sit up later at 7-8 months old.
If you have a preemie baby or one that is behind on other physical milestones, you can expect them to be behind on sitting up, too.
Why Is Sitting Up Such An Important Milestone?
It can be tempting to simply let your baby sit up whenever they are ready. However, you should probably try to help them sit up successfully if you can
Sitting up is an important milestone that babies must master in order to do other things, and to help prevent certain things.
Sitting Up Prevents Flat Head Syndrome
Babies that are frequently laying down can develop a flat spot on the back of their heads. This is normal in infants and usually resolves itself.
However, the longer your baby is laying down, the flatter their head will get. Babies that have an extremely flat head may have to go to physical therapy.
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They could also be required to wear a helmet to help their head develop a nice, round shape. The less time your little one is laying down, the better. If you can help them sit up sooner, you can help prevent flat head syndrome.
Sitting Up Teaches Babies To Balance
When babies have to sit up, they have to balance to stay sitting up. This is why babies are usually a bit wobbly in the beginning.
However, with more practice, they will be able to balance to stay sitting up. Balance is necessary for little ones to be able to both crawl and walk, which is why sitting up usually happens first.
Helping Your Baby Learn To Sit Up
If you want to help your little one meet this milestone sooner, there are quite a few things that you can do to help them learn.
If your baby has a flat head or is late meeting this milestone, start taking steps now to help your little one learn to sit up.
Tummy Time Can Help Your Baby Develop Core Strength
Your little one needs to have some upper body strength to learn how to sit up. They need strength in their torso, their arms to push themselves up, and in their neck.
Tummy time helps your little one develop the core strength that they need to be able to sit up.
Help Your Baby Learn To Sit Up By Picking Up An Activity Seat
Activity seats, such as exersaucers and Bumbo seats, can help your little one learn to sit up. My preemie grandson was a little behind on sitting up, so this is the one that I picked up.
He wasn’t a fan of Bumbo seats or just sitting up. Instead, he wanted toys to play with so this one worked out perfectly. His balance and overall ability to sit up approved drastically after we started using this every day.
- 3-stages: soft foam support seat, activity seat, booster seat (chair straps included)
- Soft foam insert adds comfort and helps baby sit upright and includes 3-point harness for safety
- 360 degree rotating tray with a variety of activities to keep baby engaged
- 6 playful toys with detachable toy bar
- Removable snack tray with two cup holders
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Set Your Baby Up On Your Lap To Help Them Learn To Balance
Instead of holding your baby as you usually do, place them in the sitting position on your lap. Most babies can hold their head up by four months, and by the time you begin to work with them on sitting up.
However, if you’re starting early (which is always a great idea) you can provide additional support for their head.
As your little one starts balancing on their own, keep your arm around them but do not hold them as tightly. This gives them the opportunity to balance on their own.
Make sure not to completely lower your arm. As babies learn to balance, they are bound to fall over. Your arm needs to be close so that you can catch them.
Use Pillows To Help Your Baby Learn How To Sit Up
Propping pillows up around your little one is a great way to help them learn to sit up. If you have extra pillows around the house, put them around your little one to help support them while they are learning how to sit up.
A boppy pillow is another great idea. These can be used for tummy time, breastfeeding, and sitting up. Right now, I’m still using one because the grandbaby likes to climb over the top of it.
These are pretty versatile if you want to pick one up to help your little one learn how to sit up.
- VERSATILE AWAKE-TIME SUPPORT: Feeding (0+ months), propping (3+ months), tummy time (6+ months) and sitting (9+ months). For baby’s awake time only. Not for sleep.
- CREATED FOR COMFORT: Designed by a mom, the Boppy Pillow provides to your arms and back by lifting your baby to a more ergonomic position when breastfeeding or bottle feeding
- YOU HAVE OPTIONS: Works for multiple feeding styles—cradle, cross cradle, football hold, bottle feeding
- REMOVABLE SLIPCOVER: Comes dressed in a removable, breathable pillow cover with an easy-on covered zipper design
- EASY CARE, MACHINE WASHABLE: The Boppy Pillow and slipcover are machine washable because messes happen
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Let Them Sit On Their Own With Your Hands At Their Sides
Once your baby starts to get the hang of sitting up, put them in the sitting position. Hold your hands at their sides so that if they fall you can catch them.
Then, gently lean them back into the sitting position. Doing this repeatedly will help your baby learn how to sit up.
Use A Variety Of Methods
Instead of sticking with one thing, use a variety of the methods mentioned above. Tummy time has a lot of benefits and should be used after your little one can sit up too.
If your baby gets bored, they will only sit in a bumbo seat or other activity seat for so long. In this case, you’ll find it is necessary to move them.
Then, when you hold your baby practice sitting up. Once you start using every moment you can to work on this, you’ll begin to see a drastic improvement in your little one.
In Conclusion
Sitting up is a necessary milestone to help your baby develop the coordination that they need to both crawl and walk. Utilize various methods to help your baby learn how to sit up sooner.
