How To Get Baby To Sit Up: What Can You Do To Help?

Seeing your baby get through the milestones is very exciting. Sitting up in another such milestone, and gives your baby a perspective.

However, getting to the process is not easy. This is one of the developmental milestones that takes a lot. Their core muscles, shoulder muscles, and back muscles need to be strong.

How to get baby to sit up? Well, most babies learn to sit up by themselves by the time they are 9 months old. However, the time can differ depending on how fast they learn the other necessary skills.

Baby Sitting Up Milestones

Sitting up takes a lot. The motor milestones need coordination of muscles along with strength. They need to control their neck and head movements and learn to roll over to get to the point where they can sit by themselves.

By the 4th or 5th month, they start to gain control over their head and try to sit with the support of their hands, or if you help them with a pillow.

However, in this stage, even the slightest movement can make them fall. So, if you are propping them up to sit, make sure you are always around. So not leave them alone.

From the 6th month, they start to try sitting on their own, without any support or your help. Initially, they might get a little imbalanced or wobble over. But, slowly they will get the hang of it. Baby-sitting milestones through different stages are mentioned below.

Newborns

Well, they are in no way near sitting up during this time. But, give them enough tummy time during this phase. Let them learn to take control of their head first. Tummy time can strengthen their neck and back muscles and this will sharpen their motor skills.

1-2 Months

This time they learn to hold their head up and start turning it from side to side. If you are looking into how to get baby to sit up, then this exercise is going to help them within a few months.

3-4 Months

During this time, their neck and head strength increases. They shake their head from side to side while they are on their tummy.

They have discovered their hand by now and are using their arms to hold their head and to push their chest off. Some even learn to roll over and lay on their back.

5-6 Months

By this age, they learn to sit with support. They can hold them with support and can sit on a high chair or floor seat. However, ensure that you are using a belt to keep them safe.

Also, this is the time when you can start giving them solid food. You can also try some homemade baby food for your little one. You will find them getting on their tummy from their back during this age.

7-8 Months

By this age, they start to gain balance and sit on their own. They lean to the front or use both their hands to maintain balance. They can sit unsupported during this age and learn to grab things.

9 Months & Up

During this age, they know how to sit on their own and know how to change their position. However, if there is a delay in their development, fear not. Every child is different, and their development is also different from one another.

How to Get Baby To Sit Up: How Can You Help?

How to teach baby to sit up? Well, it depends on your baby how fast they will learn to sit up. However, you can do your part and help them reach the milestone. Here are some things to help baby sit up.

• Give them tummy time. They will learn to lift their head and chest and this will strengthen their muscles and give them control over their own body.

Give them 3-5 minutes of tummy time and try this 2-3 times a day. Slowly, increase the duration as they grow.

• How to teach your baby sit up? During tummy time, encourage them to look up. You can use a shiny toy that makes noise to tempt them to look up.
• Help them sit up with support. You can support them with pillows, or help them sit with you as their support. Sit them on your back and make them lean back. You can also use your pregnancy pillows to help them sit.4
• Get them a lot of toys when they learn to sit with support. This will make it a fun experience for them. They will focus on these objects and it will help them gain control over their body.

How Sitting Helps Other Milestones

Sitting helps a baby with other milestones as well. It is the stepping stone for a baby to crawl, stand as well, and walk. The moment your baby starts to sit independently, it is just a matter of time before they will learn to crawl.

Once they learn how to sit by themselves they start to experiment with what more they can do, like lunging forward and balancing themselves on their knees and hands.

They start moving backward and forward from the 6th or 7th month and learn to crawl by the 10th month. Some start scooting on their bum, moving on their stomach, and more around the room.

However, not all babies crawl. Some directly go to standing and walking after learning to sit by themselves.

Note: Ensure to babyproof the room when your baby starts moving around. Cover the electrical outlets and keep the wires out of their reach. Put safety latches on the cupboards, and install safe railings and baby gates on the balconies and stairs.

When Should You Consult a Doctor?

There is no one-size-fits-all formula for getting your baby to sit. All babies are different and they develop at different rates. There is nothing to be worried about if they are not sitting even after 6 months of age.

However, if you want peace of mind, you can consult a pediatrician. Also, consult a doctor if the baby is getting stiff, when you are making them sit with support.

They will conduct a physical examination and figure out if there is anything wrong with your little one. Sometimes physical therapy can help a kid with developmental delay. They will recommend the best way to make your baby reach their milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions

When discussing how to teach baby to sit up there are a few questions that pop up frequently. Here are some of the questions mentioned.

Conclusion

How to get a baby to sit up is a common question among parents. However, you can start assisting them from the 4th month, and by the 9th month, they will be able to sit by themselves.

Remember not to compare your baby’s development to someone else. Do your part and support them develop the strength and skills they need to sit on their own.

If they show no improvement by 6 months take your baby to a doctor and get them checked out for any other issue.