✓ Development of the newborn, when he learns to sit

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When newborns, in the course of their psychophysical growth, they learn to sit, they also acquire a new perspective on the world.

Once the muscles of the back and neck they become strong enough to keep him upright and that the baby has figured out where to put his legs so he doesn't fall, you have to wait for the little one to be able to crawl, stand and walk. And it's only a matter of time!

Let's find out more about how and when i babies learn to sit.

At what age do babies start sitting up?

The newborn learns to sit independently between 4 and 7 months. By this age you will also have learned to hold your head up.

Most 8-month-olds can sit for several minutes without parental support. Remember that babies who have learned to sit can often fall over.

How do they learn to sit?

The child's ability to sit alone, despite your attempts to keep him in a sitting position on the cot, it only begins when he achieves full control over this movement. It is from the fourth month on that his neck muscles are strengthened rapidly and he learns to raise his head when he is in the prone position, lying on his tummy.

Later he will discover how to get up on his arms and keep his chest off the ground, doing a "kind of miniflexion". Within 5 months he may be able to sit for a short time without assistance, although you must always remain nearby to provide support and surround it with cushions in order to cushion a possible fall.

Read also: Development of the newborn, when he learns to grasp objects

How to help them learn how to sit down?

Lifting the head and chest helps the baby to strengthen the neck muscles and allows him to develop the head control necessary for sitting. You can help by encouraging him to play by looking down at the floor and then encouraging him to look up later.

Using a noisy light toy or mirror is also a good way to make sure your hearing and vision development is on the right track. Once your child is confident enough, put toys and other intriguing items out of his reach (but in sight): they will catch his attention as he learns to balance on his arms.

As always and, above all, while he is learning to sit, make sure you stay close to him in case he falls down or wants to show off his new skill.

What to do if the baby does not sit down?

If the baby is unable to keep his head straight and up by the time he has reached 4 months and has not yet begun to try to lift himself up or is ultimately unable to sit unsupported by 9 months, talk to your pediatrician.

Children develop skills differently, some more quickly than others. But it is worth mentioning that head control is essential to sit independently e sitting is the key to being able to crawl, stand and learn to walk.

Remember, however, that premature babies can achieve this and other milestones later than their peers.

Read also: Premature babies, 10 things to know

What is the next milestone?

What happens after the child realizes that he can crawl forward from a sitting position and that he can balance himself on his hands and knees?

At this point he can learn to go forward (or backward) on all fours as early as 6 or 7 months. At 10 months the baby will be very dynamic and curious, so be careful to always keep an eye on him.

By the way, most pediatricians recommend waiting for your baby to sit up with even minimal support before starting to give him solid foods.

Sources for this article: Babycenter.com; WebMD.com

Read also: Development of the newborn, when he learns to control his head

Questions and answers

When do babies learn to sit?

Infants learn to sit independently between 4 and 7 months.

How to help babies sit up?

Lifting the head and chest helps babies strengthen their neck muscles. You can help them by encouraging them to play by looking down at the floor and then encouraging them to look up later.

Should I worry if the baby cannot sit up?

If your baby is unable to keep his head straight and up when he is 4 months old, or if he is unable to sit unsupported by 9 months, talk to your pediatrician.

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