Your infant is growing rapidly, and before you know it, another milestone is coming: sitting up all by itself! An eagerly anticipated phase. But at what age can a baby sit up, and how does this process come about? In this article, we’ll share with you everything you need to know about when a baby sits up and how to support your little one in doing so.
When can infants sit up?
In general, infants can learn to sit up between the age of four to nine months. Of course, this depends on the development of your child because every child is unique. But when can a baby sit up without help from mom or dad? That depends! It is essential that your baby first develops the muscles required in its back and neck to stay upright.
How to teach an infant to sit up
Learning to sit up is a step-by-step process. First, your baby learns to keep his or her head up in a stable position. This frequently occurs when your little one is around four months old. After that, your baby’s midsection will become stronger and stronger, and your baby may already start trying to get into an upright position from lying down. You will notice that your baby increasingly wants to sit up around the age of six months. This is because babies can now see more clearly what is happening around them! From this point on, things can begin to happen very quickly: your baby learns to sit up by itself, even if it is with some help from the arms or support from you.
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When can infants sit up on their own?
The big question is, at what age can an infant sit up by itself? Most babies can sit up by themselves without assistance at the age of around eight to nine months. This is often the moment when your baby can start to move from both a lying and a sitting position. Please note, it is important that you do not force your child to sit down before he or she is ready. Babies learn at their own pace, and it’s important to support them in that.
How can you help your baby learn how to sit up?
Do you want to help your baby learn how to sit up? That’s possible, and it is also great fun! Here you will find some useful tips:
- Allow your baby sufficient opportunity to be in ventral position
By spending time in ventral position (“tummy time”), your baby can strengthen the muscles in its back, neck and shoulders. This is a good starting point for sitting up unassisted. - Use toys
Toys which are just out of your baby’s reach will encourage your little one to reach out and find his or her balance. - Remain in the vicinity
Make sure your baby feels safe by remaining in close proximity when he or she starts experimenting with sitting up. This will make your baby feel safer and therefore invite your baby to exercise more.
At what age should you allow your baby to sit in a chair?
Now that your baby is becoming more and more adept at sitting up, you may be wondering whether your baby can already sit in a highchair. This is often possible from the moment your little one can sit up on his own without assistance, usually at the age of six to nine months. It’s important that your baby is stable enough to stay in a chair without toppling over. Although chairs can be useful, it is better not to leave your baby in a fixed position for too long. Exercising and adopting different positions will help your baby develop muscles and balance.
Safety first!
While it’s super fun to watch your baby learn new things, safety is always important. Make sure your baby is always well supported, especially in the beginning. Use a play mat, for example. And remember, each child develops at his or her own pace. Be patient and enjoy this special milestone once your little one reaches it!
