Is it bad for a baby girl to sit?

Question

Our baby girl is now 3 months old and likes to move a lot now. She like to be pulled gently from a horizontal position to a sitting position. My wife is horrified at me for this, saying it is bad for girls to sit, and that they should always be lying down or in an angled position if sitting. She of course says he mother, her grandmother, her mother doctor's friends, even her brother tell her this. I have never heard it, or even seen it written in any book, but then again, I'm male, so what do I know. Of course I'm listening to her but it seems to me that by not letting the baby sit up, is stopping her develop her back. Please any answers or references to this would be appreciated. Thanks.

Thank you for the replies. It has at least made me feel a little better. But let me add a few details to my situation. I am currently living in Russia - my wife is Russian, and I am not able to fully communicate in Russian yet so it is difficult to ask the doctors myself and get a clear answer in the translation. I do believe that Russian people tend to believe in a lot of old wives' tales and do not trust anything people in the western world may say. Of course I may be generalising but that has been my experience with my wife. The doctor did come to the house yesterday and to make matters worse has now instructed my wife that the baby is not even allowed to sit in the baby recliner that we have and she loves. Even though the box clearly states the recliner is suitable from birth to 9 kgs.

Answer 1

Sitting fully upright is no worse for a baby girl than it is for a baby boy. And I don't think it's harmful at all. Does your wife sit in an angled position? Your mother in law? Any women you know? If your baby girl likes it, then I say keep doing it. She'll be sitting fully upright on her own in another couple months - will they continually make her lay back down? By allowing her to sit up, she'll learn to balance herself so that she can do it on her own (sit up) and that will help when she starts walking. Go to your daughter's next doctor's appointment, ask the pediatrician about it. I'm sure that he'll/she'll agree that there's nothing wrong with it.

Answer 2

It's an old wives tale. Tell your wife to ask your daughter's doctor and I'll bet the answer will be - NOT A PROBLEM.

That said, there was concerns not too many years ago that these front packs which have baby sitting up may be too hard on the spine because of the impact as the parent walks. Never heard the final thoughts on this by the medical community which is why I recommend you speak to doctor.

Answer 3

Trust me on this one, the bouncy seat is a life saver! It will be the only way you will get anything done during the first few months of their life. Also, you have to remember that at 2 weeks they aren't really focusing on objects just yet. I promise when she is done sitting in her seat, she will let you know and most likely quite loudly. Hang in there, you will figure it out and it does get easier as you go. One day you will look back and wish they could sit in that seat again. My LO is all over the place and I feel like I am running a track meet all day long.

Answer 4

so are boys not allowed to rollover??? anyway what everybody else has written is true, all babies no matter size, age, weight, gender etc need to sit and like to sit. It gives them a different perspective on the world and helps to develop their back and neck muscles, you only have to make sure the baby is well supported and safe and everything is ok. This old wives tale is nearly as bad as the one where you must not take a baby out after 5pm. its just rubbish.

Answer 5

ask your wife to use a little common sense here ... does she really think that gender has any relevance to sitting? lol I think she's paying a little too much attention to 'rules' and other people by the sound of it. And that's natural for a mother who wants the best for her baby. Just be patient with that and it will go. Otherwise, just tell her that you are right on this one. You asked the folks at YAHOO ;) There's always the baby's pediatrician if she's still not convinced.

Answer 6

This is another one of
those old wive's tales.
It's the same stupid junk
as to why a girl
shouldn't ride a bicycle
or
ride a horse straddle
or
climb trees.
Tell your wife
this is the 21st century,
not the 18th or 19th.

Answer 7

This shows how bright and intelligent the baby is and it has nothing to do whether its a boy or girl. Babies at that age can be made to sit up with some support. Why don't you consult a pediatrician?

Answer 8

LOL... I looked this up because my mother-in-law is convinced my 5 month old should not sit or be put into one of those baby carriers (let alone the car seat or swing...). It is "bad for her backbone." She is from Poland...

The best part is she tells me she read some doctor (from Poland) said the baby carriers are bad for the backbone...

Answer 9

Your wife is wrong - there is no reason a girl should not sit - she should sit upright as all babies should when put in a sitting position - she also needs tummy time, quiet time, and to sleep on her back.

Good luck

Answer 10

That's the stupidest 'old-wives tale' I've ever heard! Will they bind the baby's feet next? It's absolutely not true/right from the medical standpoint.