We hear a lot that at 6 months babies already sit up, and it is common for worries to begin. We began to compare, to search for information and, in addition, we added the beginning of complementary feeding, a milestone that we also associate with sitting.

I would like to clarify an important concept. A 6-month-old baby can maintain the sitting position, if we make him that way. But it will not be until around 8 or 9 months that the baby sits up on his own without our help.

If your baby is 6 months old and still can't sit up, don't worry! This does not magically happen the moment the baby reaches this age. It depends on two important factors: the maturation of the central nervous system, which requires time, and the interaction with the environment, which has to do with prior learning that occurs in the previous months to finally reach that position.

If you are wondering why your baby doesn't stay seated, here you can review some movements and postures that commonly appear prior to this milestone (there may be variations, remember that not all babies are the same)

• The baby, lying on his back, brings his knees to his chest and then his feet to his hands and/or mouth.
• He turns on his side and manages to complete a face-down turn
• Face down, he leans on one forearm and then the other (he transfers his weight)
• Face down you can support yourself with your hands and leave your elbows extended
• While on your side, lift your head off the floor (this is called lateral flexion)

Many do not maintain the position when they are just 6 months old and that is fine. It is recommended to consult with the pediatrician only when the baby is 7.5 months old, because at 8 we raise the red flag (don't expect to reach the deadline!)

My recommendation as a kinesiologist and mother is the following: trust your baby and give him the time he needs. It doesn't matter if, when you sit him in his high chair, his legs hang down, or the backrest reaches up to his head, among others. In the end the important thing is something else much simpler! It's seeing him comfortable, it's seeing him smile, share and enjoy with his family... Those are the memories that will accompany you for a lifetime!

Constanza Juarez
Child kinesiologist
@honeyboxcl