How Sitting Play Supports Your Baby’s Development (and How to Start)

Just a little before your child turns 6 months, they begin to sit up, giving your child a whole new perspective on life. Before sitting, everything was viewed from the floor, now everything looks new and exciting. Sitting play helps your child continue to build strength, coordination, and cultivate curiosity. With a little support and some simple tools, this new stage becomes a new part of your daily rhythm.

Is Your Child Ready?

Sitting play is a supervised play period, where your baby has the opportunity to practice sitting and exploring. A lot of babies start sitting with support around 4-5 months. You can start having your baby sit with support whenever you feel your baby is ready. Signs of readiness include holding their head up steadily, pushing up with straight arms during tummy time, grabbing their feet while on their back, rolling front to back and back to front, and tripod sitting.

Supported sitting can look like your baby sitting on your lap facing outward or your baby sitting with a cushion (like a nursing pillow or rolled up towel) around their hips. Soft pillows placed around the area can help with any wobbles or tips. Slowly taper their support as they get stronger and more comfortable. 

Some of our Favorite Toys:

• Balls + Baskets

• Musical Instruments (Shakers)

• Blocks

• Stacking Cups

• Tissue Box / Ball Drop

What Should You Do?

• Have your child sit on your lap or the floor and read books together.

• Give your child a basket with a couple (3-4) treasures in it for them to explore (balls, blocks, wooden spoons, cups, cloths, etc.)

• Put soft toys or stuffies just out of reach. Have the toys or stuffies dance/move and encourage your child to reach.

• Use a mirror to make faces and talk while your baby studies your reflections.

• Sing songs and use hand motions encouraging your baby to watch and mimic.

• Stack blocks / cups and encourage your baby to build or knock them down

Typically Babies Can:

• Lean on hands to support self when seated (tripod position) by 5-6 months

• Transfer objects from hand to hand by 6-9 months

• Get into a seated position independently by 7-9 months

• Sit independently without support (quadruped) by 7-9 months

• Bang two objects together by 7-9 months

• Put small objects in a larger container by 9-12 months

• Begin to stack blocks by 10-12 months

When you create a safe, supported space for your baby to practice sitting and interact with them, remember that these small movements are shaping strong bodies, strengthening balance, growing curious minds, and deepening connection. A few simple toys, intentional space, and your presence is helping build a strong foundation for your growing baby.