How to Help My Baby Sit

When learning how to help your baby sit, there are multiple strategies that you can try in regards to answering the question “how to help my baby sit?” During the first stages of a child’s development, growth is extremely important to their development of motor skills. Our pediatric physical therapy professionals want to set a disclaimer that development occurs differently for every child. While there are guidelines to help, it’s important to remember that not one size fits all. Part of learning to help your baby sit comes along with an understanding that each child is different. Ready to learn new methods on how to help my baby sit? Continue reading.

Tummy Time

Tummy time is a great place to begin teaching your baby how to sit. Children’s physical therapy experts at Peak Physical Therapy find that tummy time not only allows your baby to explore a new environment but also allows the child to practice holding themselves upright. During tummy time, be sure to interact with your child. Speak to them, engage with them, and place toys out of reach for them to look around.

Develop Balancing Skills

Once your baby has gained muscle control and understands how to support their heads, it’s time to encourage them to understand what sitting feels like. Our physical therapy Braintree MA team recommends placing your baby in the corners of couches or chairs to experience the sensation of sitting. When your baby is ready to begin sitting on hard surfaces, pediatric physical therapy professionals recommend working with your child throughout the process. Sit cross-legged on the floor with your child, and place them between your calf and hamstring for their support. Allowing your child to experience different surfaces will develop a variety of balancing skills that will work to their benefit.

Facilitate Their Growth

As your baby gains more confidence and develops muscular strength, support should only increase! Starting with your baby on their back, hold their arms and gently pull them into a seated position. As your baby grows more head and neck support, physical therapy Braintree MA professionals recommend lengthening this assisted seated position to five to ten minutes each day. Peak Physical Therapy also suggests using items around the home to entice your child. We recommend placing a mirror just slightly above their line of sight so that they will be encouraged to sit up in order to see their reflection.

Peak Physical Therapy | Pediatric Physical Therapy MA

Our team of pediatric physical therapy Pembroke MA leaders understands that child development can bring on challenges. If you are seeking additional resources regarding how to help my baby sit, look no further than the children’s physical therapy experts at Peak Physical Therapy. We utilize the latest resources and practices backed by industry-leading research. Visit our website or contact us today to speak with our team regarding your child’s motor development skills.