Is My Baby Ready To Practice Sitting?

“How do I know when my little one is ready to start sitting practice?”

Answer: Here’s the thing with sitting practice, specifically in the highchair. I try to start for short spurts BEFORE you are going to introduce solids. Bring them to the table in it, let them sit briefly, and watch for these key things to know you’re on the right track: 

• AT LEAST 4 months of age, in my opinion, just from a developmental readiness stance- ideally 4.5 months!

• Able to maintain their body/head in midline briefly in the highchair.

• Chin is off the chest in sitting.

• Low back is not rounded in sitting.

• Able to use their hands to play with a toy on the tray.

If you’re seeing these things, I personally try short spurts in the highchair. Taking them out as soon as posture isn’t looking as great.

Hope that helps!

WANT MORE?

For developmental questions, tips and guidance related to milestones about tummy time, rolling & sitting, crawling and walking, check out KC’s developmental Masterclasses linked here.

KC is a pediatric doctor of physical therapy, wife and mom of three! She has spent her career working with children and young adults of all ability levels, and currently specializes in birth to three years.