Transitioning Out of Sitting
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Transitions in and out of sitting, to and from the floor, typically happen between 7-8 months and are the skills before crawling. Transitioning out of sitting or moving from sitting to the floor happens first. Usually, you see this for the first time when a toys rolls away from them or is slightly too far and they accidentally tip over to grab it. Often it scares them, and the parents too, when this happens for the first time.
Ideally we want them to shift to the side, rotating their trunk and placing their hands on the floor. This will be the natural movement leading up to getting to the crawling on all 4's (hands and knees) position from sitting. If a child shifts forward, they can straddle their legs to reach which typically blocks them from getting to their tummies, or all 4's, unless they are extremely flexible. Another reason you want to encourage trunk rotation and shifting to the side is because it will strengthen the core muscles in a movement pattern that will be useful when walking as well as practicing catching themselves out to the side. Protective extension responses to the side in sitting emerge around 7-8 months when they are learning this skill and of course we want to expose them to movements that will encourage this emerging neurological response. Movement from different positions is the beginning of them being more content playing without need of constant interaction from parents and encouraging independence.
Check out this video on how to help them learn this new skill.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking new activities. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or viewed in this blog.