At what age do babies sit without support?

Question

I know all babies are different but my baby just turned 7 months and is still not sitting without support. Should I speak to my doctor?

Answer 1

Hopefully, this will help answer your question. :)

When do babies sit up without support?

- Your baby will probably learn to sit independently between the ages of 4 and 7 months. This is about the same time that he'll master rolling over and holding his head up. About 90 percent of babies can sit well for several minutes without support by the time they're 8 months old. (Even babies who've mastered sitting will topple over eventually, often because they lose interest in being upright.)


How does sitting up develop?

- While you can prop your baby in a sitting position almost from day one, true independent sitting doesn't begin until he has head control. Starting at about 4 months, your baby's neck and head muscles strengthen rapidly, and he'll learn to raise and hold his head up while he's lying on his stomach.

Next he'll figure out how to prop himself up on his arms and hold his chest off the ground, sort of a mini-pushup. By 5 months he may be able to sit momentarily without assistance, though you should stay nearby to provide support and surround him with pillows to cushion a possible fall.

Soon your baby will figure out how to maintain his balance while seated by leaning forward on one or both arms. By 7 months he'll probably be able to sit unsupported (which will free his hands for exploring), and he'll learn how to pivot to reach a desired object while sitting. At this point he may even be able to get from his tummy into a sitting position by pushing up on his arms. By the time he's 8 months old, he'll likely be sitting well without support.

How you can help your baby learn to sit / Your role:

- Lifting his head and chest helps your baby strengthen his neck muscles and develops the head control necessary for sitting up. You can help by encouraging him to play facedown on the floor and then prompting him to look up. Using a bright toy that makes noise or a mirror is also a good way to make sure that his hearing and vision are on the right track. Once your baby is a fairly confident sitter, put toys and other intriguing objects just out of reach -- they'll hold his attention as he learns to balance with his arms.

As always, and especially when he's just learning to sit, be sure to stay close to your baby in case he falls -- or wants to show off his new skill.

When shoudl you be concerned that your baby isn't sitting on his own?

- If your baby isn't able to hold his head up steadily by the time he's about 6 months old and hasn't started learning to prop himself up on his arms, bring it up the next time you talk to his doctor. Babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others, but head control is essential to sitting independently, and sitting is the key to crawling, standing, and learning to walk. Keep in mind that premature babies may reach this and other milestones later than their peers.

Good luck!

Answer 2

If you've got a concern, definitely talk to your doctor. There's a pretty wide window on this stuff though. As long as he's doing other age-appropriate things, like babbling, laughing, reaching for stuff, etcetera, it's probably not anything to worry about - but your doctor can keep an eye out for problems only if (s)he's aware of any potential issues.

However, do be aware that some research shows that babies are doing things like rolling over, sitting up independently, and other things requiring a lot of abdominal support later than they used to, mainly due to the fact they spend a lot more time on their backs or in car carriers. Remember too that in the case of preemies, if that's relevant, things tend to happen at adjusted ages (the age they should have been born) rather than their "actual" age until they're somewhere well past a year.

Answer 3

the age of 4 or 5 and up

Answer 4

My son is 11 months old now and I think at 7 months he was just starting to sorta sit up. He still needed some support. By 8 months he was definitely sitting up and scootching around. I wouldn't worry, I thought my son was slow in development but at 11 months he's walking all around furntiure and getting into everything. Enjoy your independence while you can.

Answer 5

His next well check up is at 9 months and if he's not sitting up by then, you'll want to bring it up. All mine did at around 6 months but my last child seems to be doing everything later and I worry all the time and so much of it is needless worrying!

I'm sure your baby is fine! :)

Answer 6

Usually around 6 months. But my grandson didn't sit until 8 months. Don't panic yet, your baby is fine.

Answer 7

My daughter has torticollis and she was 7 1/2 months when her sat up. If the child is not doing it by 8 1/2 months than ask the doc

Answer 8

Yes my son sat up at 41/2 months, and independently at 5 months. Some kids are late bloomers, but don't leave it to chance definitely talk to your pediatrician.

Good Luck sweetie!

Answer 9

4-7 months the average, but babies do not learn to sit up all on their own. You need to help them! Prop them up in a boppy or hold them in your lap with as little support as possible. Sit them up in shopping carts and encourage them to hold on to the front for balance instead of leaning back.

Answer 10

usually 5-6 months