My name is Sam and I'm a pediatric physiotherapist with Alberta Health Services.

In this video, you'll learn some tips to help your baby begin to sit.

You can watch this series in order or choose the video that best fit your baby's needs.

Before your baby learns to sit, they need to have good head control.

This means they can hold their head up without any help from you.

Your baby builds head control when you hold them, give them time for floor play, and while they're in tummy time.

They can usually hold their head up on their own by around 4 months of age.

Babies usually start sitting with support at 4 to 5 months of age.

With practice, your baby should be able to sit independently between 6 to 9 months of age.

Remember that there is a wide range of normal for when babies develop movement skills.

If your baby was born prematurely or has a medical diagnosis, their timeline might be different.

Talk to a doctor or healthcare provider about what you can expect.

A great way to practice sitting with your baby is to put your baby between your legs while you are sitting on the floor.

Usually, they will tip forward and place their hands on the floor for support.

Your legs will help to support them on either side.

If needed, you can place your hands under their armpits for additional support.

You may need to adjust your baby's legs into a ring position as this helps give them more balance.

You may also notice that their back is rounded.

They really rely on parents' or caregivers' support to practice early sitting.

While your baby is in this position, try to keep them happy and engaged.

Sing songs, show them toys, and point out something interesting that's right in front of them.

When in this position, you may notice your baby uses one hand to bat at the toy or book in front of them.

You can also have your baby rest their hands on a sturdy toy for some more support.

This helps lift their trunk up more.

Once your baby has spent some time sitting with their hands on the floor, their back and tummy muscles get stronger, and they start to practice sitting more upright.

They'll start to take their hands off of the floor and work on their balance in sitting.

Babies like to play and reach for things, so at this stage they'll lose their balance easily.

It's important for you to be close by to provide some hands-on support.

The higher up on their trunk you place your hands, the more support you're providing.

As they get stronger, move your hands down so you're supporting their hips.

This allows your baby to learn balance as they play in sitting.

You can also put a pillow or cushions around and behind them for more support.

When practicing the skill of sitting, you may notice your baby push back into your hands.

If this happens, encourage them to reach forward or to the side for a toy.

You can also try to use lighter and softer touch with your hands for support.

Use your support to help guide them forward again until their balance is back over their bottom.

This may also be your baby's way to tell you that they're done with sitting for now.  

As you continue to practice, you'll notice your baby relies less on your support.

This is great.

They're getting stronger and more independent.

Give these tips a try to help your baby get started with sitting.

In the next video, you'll learn how to help your baby to sit independently.

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Find information, support, and services for you and your child by clicking on the link in the description.​