Transitions into Sitting
- Apr 1
- 2 min read
Transitioning into sitting is a game changer in overall happiness and ability to explore while playing without needing constant care. If they can do this, the ones that don't love being on their stomachs are more willing to be there more often because they have a way to get out of it. They can move to grab a toy out of reach from sitting and then pop back up to play with their hands.
In my opinion, this skill is one of the hardest to teach a little one. They tend to resist and not like the movement at first. It is a complex skill that takes them through all the planes of movement (vertical, horizontal, and transverse), their inner ear in relation to spatial awareness and vision are being affected significantly as well. It takes a significant amount of strength to push against gravity and involves multiple muscle groups to coordinate to be successful.
When practicing with them, tell them you are going to sit them up and cheer them on when they complete it! Take them through the movement with several repetitions at a time so their bodies can acclimate to the movement. Once they realize what you are doing, they often try to assist you when they initially resisted.
Always make sure they can do this activity moving to the left and right equally. If they can only complete on one side, this may be a sign they have or might emerge with a weight shifting preference. Weight shifting preferences can negatively impact their crawling and walking and at a minimum make one side stronger than the other which we don't want. So, if they can get up to sitting on one side but not the other, you need to practice to the other side!
Check out this video on two ways to get them up into sitting from the floor.
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