Sitting Unassisted

Sorry for the dumb question but what does it mean? Is it being able to sit in a highchair w/o slumping over or is it being able to sit on own in the middle of the floor w/o falling over? I was reading in my what to expect book that at six months they should be sitting unassisted. My guys sit well in a highchair but when they sit on the floor they lean to the side and eventually topple over.

 

At 6mo my girls were still toppling over (and throwing themselves over!) so I put the boppy behind them and one day probably around 7mo I forgot them and they were fine. The muscles and spine take some time to strengthen so if they are sitting up straight in the highchair they are doing good!

 

I think sitting unassited means being able to sit on their own without the help of anything or anyone... I think...at least that's what I considered it to be... who knows maybe my boys were sitting unassited earlier than I gave them credit for! :unknw: My boys didn't do this until almost 8 months.

 

most babies can NOT sit unassisted at 6 months so don't worry. It's usually closer to 7 or 8 months where you can plop them on the floor with a toy and not worry that they might reach/lean and go right over!

 

I think sitting unassisted means sitting upright with no support - like on the floor. Mine were not doing it at 6 months either, it was closer to 8 months.

 

Sometimes if they are sitting on the floor and you really open their legs up (to make a wide base of support) it helps them to balance. All my girls did it at different ages, but by six mos. I could at least open their legs and get them to balance for a picture!

 

Good question. I've been wondering about this too. I wonder if it counts if they use their hand to hold themselves up.

 

I would think it would be sitting on their own on the floor without any props (your hands, boppies) I think using their hands or legs to keep balance would be considered unassisted as they are assisting themselves with proper balance. JMHO

ETA mine WERE sitting unassisted at 5 months so it can happen!

 

Mine didn't sit unassisted until about 6.5-7mnths. And even now they will be sitting and will reach for a toy and fall over.

 

My vote is that sitting unassisted means sitting in the floor by themselves without falling over for awhile. As far as books go I think they provide good general guidelines, but aren't the bible. Each child does things on their own time table. Sometimes your babies will be right on track with the book guidelines, sometimes ahead, and sometimes behind. I know it's easier said than done, but I wouldn't worry about any of the milestones if they aren't doing it right on cue. But if you are concerned give your pedi a call.

FWIW, one of my boys was sitting unssisted at 4mo 3w. The other, at 5 1/2 mo. They have from the beginning been ahead on motor skills, and frequently behind on verbal skills. My pedi has frequently assured me that they will get there when they are ready and it is nothing to worry about as long as they get there within a couple of months. i.e. if most babies do it by 6mo, but yours are 8mo and not doing it, let's talk about it. Until then, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy them.