Life with Your Baby...Sitting Pretty
Author: Jeannie Fleming-Gifford
Stop and think about it. Your baby's development is amazing. It probably doesn't seem very long ago that you brought your baby home. Then, they smiled for the first time. Your heart melted.
Now, you are seeing them grow stronger. Perhaps they are now able to roll from their back to stomach and then over again. You may be talking with your pediatrician about introducing their first solid foods. Your baby may be beginning to hold their head up independently. The milestones continue.
Although there are plenty of devices to help your baby sit up, most babies acquire the ability to sit up on their own between the ages of 7 to 9 months.
Although the action of sitting may seem quite simple, the work that your baby does to achieve this is quite astounding. Your baby is not only growing bigger, they are growing stronger. This includes the trunk of their body (mid-section), as well as their hips. Your baby has also acquired head control and is learning how to balance their bodies.
Your baby is nearly ready to be "sitting pretty!"
How can you support this effort?
Like everything else in life, practice makes perfect. In order for your baby to acquire the skills and strength needed to sit up, they need time and support. This includes floor time where your baby can safely move independently, rolling, etc. Although convenient, try not to use support systems that minimize your baby's ability to move (i.e. swings and bouncy seats).
Be your baby's #1 fan. We all love encouragement. Your baby is no different. Use loving words to "cheer them on." Be sure that as your baby acquires new skills, you are mindful of the environment around them. It's a great time to review your baby proofing plans. Specifically, be aware of objects in the area should your baby lose their balance and happen to topple over.
Watch out, your baby's new skill is just the beginning of what is to come.
With your baby's upper body strength and the ability to sit independently, you may find that it's no time at all before your baby is on the move crawling and even walking!
