Is It Okay For My Child To Side Sit During Play?
“I was just told I shouldn't let my child side sit because it's like a w-sit, but I thought it was a good thing...can you clarify?”
ANSWER - Of course! Side sitting is a GREAT play position that we absolutely want to see! I know it looks a lot like a W-sit on that back leg, so I understand why someone's first instinct might be to correct it, especially when you've only heard that w-sitting is terrible and to not ever allow it. But side sitting is a powerhouse transitional position that improves posture, range of motion, strength and often is mastered as they nail down transitions from sitting to belly/hands and knees. I would actually say that we should not only let your child play in that position, but encourage it if you can!
Side sitting is a transitional position, meaning when playing in it, it’s typically because they’re getting ready to move. Often, they’re getting ready to move from sit into hands and knees, or sit to belly. This is something that we want to encourage if we can, because the ability to independently and safely transition through your environment unlocks a world of possibility! Even though in a side sit, the back leg is in a “w” position, it’s different because it’s an UNSTABLE position, meaning in a side sit, they have to REALLY activate their core muscles to maintain balance. The entire core, specifically the powerhouse obliques are active, as are the big important hip muscles & even the shoulder stabilizers that are ready to get those arms out in protective reactions as they transition.
Whereas, the concern with w-sitting is when it's the only or predominant way a child can sit and play successfully. The w-sit reduces the amount of muscle exertion by relying on an excessive base of support and the stability it provides, but it is a completely normal developmental play position that kids transition in and out of! One quick way you can check this is by watching your child go in/out of the w-sit, especially when crawling. If toes are inward facing and there is variety in play positions (shown in this reel), then I would not be concerned.
Other times the w-sit can indicate low muscle tone, laxity in ligaments, and/or core/hip muscle weakness. It can also limit active strengthening of muscles that are typically used when a child engages in play in a variety of positions, and in severe cases, it may contribute to mal-alignment of the legs. As a general rule, if your child fits into any of these categories with the w-sit, I would recommend mentioning it to your pediatrician or looking into a PT evaluation:
If a child plays/sits that way more than 70-80% of the time or more.
If a child can not easily play in other positions and has to rely on that wide base position to successfully play with their hands.
If a child can’t EASILY transition into/out of a variety of play positions, including w-sitting.
If a child can not, or will not fix their legs with simple cues like “feet forward”, or “legs straight”.
If a child is delayed in meeting other motor milestones
If you’re noticing excessive W-sitting, my biggest recommendation is to encourage your child to sit in a variety of other play positions, with and without support. I also recommend picking one phrase that everyone can use to remind your child to sit differently. "Fix your feet," "feet forward," "legs out" are great options! Often times, the simple verbal reminder is enough to cue them to change it up!
Ways to Encourage Side Sittting
My top tip is to place toys they love on the SIDES of them during play. This encourages trunk rotation & a natural shift toward a side sit, and eventually the transition from side sit to belly or side sit to hands and knees. You can add in a slightly elevated surface on the floor (like a play couch or crib mattress) as a starting point if flat seems tough! Another way toy that I love for side sitting is this pushwalker! You can see how I use it in this blog to encourage side sitting & it is a toy that will last all the way through walking!
Hope this 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.
Was this helpful? Save it for later!
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.
