Wondering when your baby will be able to sit up and whether it will be on their own or if some help is required? Well, we at Elimuzazi are here to walk this priceless journey with you.
According to the Baby Milestones Research Center, babies must be able to hold their heads up without support and have enough upper body strength before being able to sit up on their own. In most cases, this happens by the second month, after which they begin to push up with their arms while lying on their stomachs. This is generally the first sign that the baby is getting ready to sit up.
At 4 months, the baby can usually hold his or her head steady without assistance; this will happen frequently until 6 months, when they become more aggressive in pushing up. At this stage, with a little help, the baby can begin to sit up. The tummy moments help the baby strengthen his or her upper body and neck muscles, which aid in sitting up.
The doctors advise that you can safely support your baby’s sitting at this age with the use of fiber-filled pillows. Make sure they are well balanced to avoid falling over as they turn to look around or try to reach something. Also, keep your head up and your back straight, with your legs apart and your hands outstretched between your legs. Be right beside them for necessary support, and do not leave them in this position for too long, at least not during the early stages.
If this is done consistently for eight months, the baby should be able to sit up from lying down on her tummy. He or she will be able to turn and easily push up unsupported and sit down well balanced with a straight back. So generally, by 9 months, every baby should be able to sit up on their own.
Therefore, we at Elimuzazi have this to say in response to your question: we do not train babies to sit, but yes, you can support your baby to sit up, but do so at the right time and in the right way. Too early may be dangerous, so it’s better you wait till they show signs.
To help them sit up, begin by encouraging them to play lying on their tummies as much as possible, and while at it, get them to look up frequently by maybe playing attractive noises above them or hanging colorful toys above them. Slowly, the child will begin to push up.
When they respond to sitting up, do not forget that the back muscles need adequate support until they get strong enough.
Sitting is a developmental milestone that doesn’t begin until the baby has good head control.