Dr. Komarovsky: when a child should sit and at what age can girls be seated

One common worry among parents regarding the developmental milestones of childhood is the appropriate age for their child to begin sitting up. Renowned pediatrician Dr. Komarovsky offers insightful information on this subject, assisting parents in understanding the appropriate time and things to think about. When a child is ready to sit, it helps ease concerns and encourage development in a healthy way.

Dr. Komarovsky highlights that every child develops differently and that there is no universal solution. Babies typically start to exhibit indications that they are ready to sit between the ages of four and six months. The baby’s overall physical growth, muscle strength, and coordination all play a role in this developmental milestone.

Parents who are curious about gender-specific timing should know that there isn’t much of a difference between boys and girls in this area, according to Dr. Komarovsky. This milestone is typically reached by both genders in the same amount of time. Knowing this can help you avoid needless comparisons and set reasonable expectations.

Norms

Most toddlers start sitting around six to seven months old, based on the medical standards that are currently in use and used by pediatricians to assess a baby’s development. But according to Evgeny Komarovsky, these numbers are so arbitrary that they can be disregarded. Every child is unique; they all have different standards and follow unique developmental patterns.

This has no effect at all on a child who is not sitting at seven months old.

However, his parents are unhappy and grumbling because they want their child to grow up at the same pace as the kids in the neighborhood.

It is incorrect to even say that "he should sit at a certain age." No child in the world owes anything to anybody, claims Komarovsky. When his back muscles and spine are strong enough to support such a weight, he will sit, crawl, and walk.

What should parents do?

Go see a doctor first. This is the first thing they should do if they find something concerning or unclear in the baby’s development. A pediatric surgeon, neurologist, and orthopedist must see the child. Nothing further needs to be done if the examinations by these three specialists reveal no neurological, musculoskeletal, or other concerning conditions in the infant.

Evgeny Komarovsky says that such a baby will undoubtedly sit down, but only when the time is right.

And parents won’t be involved in this process; it will happen on its own.

What should not be done?

Children cannot be put to bed too early because sitting is not at all beneficial for them, according to the doctor. The baby’s posture will become more correct the later he does this; his back, legs, and arms will all be straighter. Early sitting up puts a lot of strain on an undeveloped spine, which is why older kids eventually develop a lot of health issues.

The baby’s parents’ best option is to refrain from assisting him with sitting, standing, and taking his first few steps.

When a baby is discovered attempting to sit, parents frequently send him straight to the sofa, pile pillows around him, and then exult that their child is growing up quicker than anyone else. Crawling is a better developmental stage than sitting because the baby’s skeletal system and muscles are strengthened, readying them for sitting and walking.

Jumpers are another common error made by modern parents. A child who is too young to sit is suspended vertically so that he can jump. Adults believe that he fortifies the motor apparatus in this way. Early verticalization can actually put the baby in grave danger. It is best to store walkers and jumpers in the closet as they are not the best investments.

How to train muscles

Starting at five months of age, Evgeny Komarovsky suggests laying infants on their stomachs on the ground, covered by a blanket or spread blanket. Place colorful toys a few meters away from him and, using every available means, encourage movement in plastuna or in any other manner (on the stomach, supported by one leg and arm, if preferred).

Getting a massage in the evening and taking a bath are great ways to strengthen all the muscles used for sitting. Water procedures have amazing effects. Nobody gives up on daily gymnastics, which you should resume as soon as you get back from the maternity hospital.

However, as soon as the baby sits, it will be evident which muscles are the weakest: if he sits with a round back, we can discuss the weakness of the neck and back muscles; if he falls back, the press is weak; and if he falls to his side, support is needed for the lateral muscles.

Observe the child closely, address his areas of weakness, and provide him with training.

How to properly hold a child vertically

A child who is not yet able to sit on their own needs to be held in your arms properly as well, as the above mentioned vertical position can be harmful. Evgeny Komarovsky suggests holding the infant firmly beneath the armpits with one hand while supporting the other under the ass.

It’s crucial that the adult adopt a semi-sitting posture if the infant is "sitting" on his lap while the adult is seated. The baby’s vertebrae will be under less strain as a result.

Myths about sitting

• It is believed that girls should not be seated until 6 months — this is fraught with a bend in the cervix and other pathologies in the area of ​​women’s health. This is not true, says Evgeny Komarovsky. Both boys and girls should not be seated until six months, and not only because something is not arranged correctly in girls and can be damaged. Children should not be seated at all until six months. From the point of view of forming a strong spine, there is no difference whether it is a boy or a girl.
• A boy can be seated in your arms as early as 3-4 months. This is not true, says Komarovsky. Such awakening is dangerous and scary, it increases the number of young people who, due to diseases of the spine, are not only not suitable in the army, but also cannot lead a full active life. This type of sitting is especially dangerous for large, plump boys – the load on their spinal column increases several times.

Dr. Komarovsky highlights that rather than being based solely on age, the best time for a child to sit up depends heavily on their unique developmental milestones. Since every child develops at a different rate, it’s important to take into account their overall motor and physical development rather than concentrating just on one particular age.

The secret is to foster girls’ and boys’ development in a way that is safe and natural. Preparing them for sitting can involve encouraging tummy time and giving them the opportunity to strengthen their neck and back muscles. It’s crucial to not rush your child’s achievement of this milestone and to allow them to do so at their own pace.

In the end, allowing your child to grow in a supportive environment and paying attention to their individual growth patterns will help them reach developmental milestones like sitting when the time is right. A pediatrician can offer direction and assurance if you have any worries about your child’s development.

Regarding the appropriate age for girls to sit, as well as when a child should begin sitting, Dr. Komarovsky offers precise guidelines. His advice is that most babies are ready to sit by the time they are six months old, and by the time they are nine months old, they usually know how to sit on their own. According to Komarovsky, it’s critical to let kids grow at their own rate and make sure they have the motor skills and strength needed to sit.

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