Sitting: Infant Development 7 to 9 Months

Now we movement mommies are starting to get some movement babies! From seven to nine months, we’re looking for baby to naturally get into the seated position. I say "naturally" because we want him to do it by himself—we don’t want to put him there.

Pincer Grasp

One of the first signs that your baby is ready for siting can actually be detected from how he uses his fingers. Since he was born, baby has been slowly moving through positions of his hands, from thumb tucked into fist, thumb out of fist, open hand and now to pincer grasp. This ability to grasp objects motivates him through positions and into sitting. (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization notes). 

The natural development of sitting stems from the side lying position where baby is supporting himself at the elbow and forearm. Around eight months, this side lying position develops into the oblique sitting position, during which baby is still supporting himself on his side, but now with an open arm. Finally, to get to the regular sit position, baby will develop the ability to push off from all fours or the oblique sit and onto his bum. (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization presentation notes.)

Congratulations, you have a natural sitter!

Considering our society is inclined to make milestones a bit of a “competition,” I always felt the need to defend myself and my son when we were around others with babies the same age or even just in conversation. In the end, I just settled on saying, “Nope, he’s not sitting yet,” because that was the truth. I basically used this phrase for every milestone going forward. My son did things on his own terms—something that is a distinct part of his current personality…