Not Sitting Up
The short answer
Most babies learn to sit independently between 6 and 9 months, with a wide range of normal. Before independent sitting, babies typically progress through sitting with support, then sitting with hands propped in front (tripod sitting), then sitting freely.
By Age
What to expect by age
At this age, babies are working on head control and may sit briefly when well-supported, such as in a Bumbo seat or propped with pillows. They are not expected to sit on their own. Core strengthening through tummy time is laying the groundwork for sitting later.
Many babies begin sitting with support or in a "tripod" position, leaning forward on their hands for balance. Some babies may sit briefly unsupported by 6 months, but many are not yet ready, and that is perfectly normal. Lots of floor time and supported sitting practice helps.
This is when many babies achieve independent sitting, though they may still topple over sometimes. Some babies are more interested in rolling or scooting and come to sitting a bit later. As long as your baby is showing progress in their core strength and balance, they are likely on track.
Most babies are sitting well independently by this range and can reach for toys without falling over. Some babies, especially those who were premature, may take until 9 months. If your baby is not yet sitting with support by 8 months, a check-in with your doctor is a good idea.
If your baby is not sitting independently by 9-10 months, it is worth discussing with your doctor or health visitor. This does not necessarily mean something is wrong, as some babies are simply later developers, but an assessment can identify whether any support like physiotherapy would be helpful.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- Your baby is under 6 months and not yet sitting independently, as this is earlier than most babies achieve this skill
- Your baby is sitting with support or in a tripod position and making gradual progress toward independent sitting
- Your baby can sit independently for short periods but still topples sometimes, showing they are building balance
- Your baby was premature and is reaching sitting milestones in line with their adjusted age rather than birth age
- Your baby prefers rolling or moving on their tummy and seems less interested in sitting still, but has the strength to sit when placed
- Your baby is 8-9 months and cannot sit even with minimal support
- Your baby seems to have difficulty holding their trunk upright and consistently slumps to one side
- Your baby was sitting independently but seems to have lost this ability
- Your baby is not sitting independently and also seems delayed in other motor milestones like rolling or reaching
- Your baby has a sudden loss of sitting ability or other motor skills they previously had
- Your baby cannot hold their head up or support their upper body at all by 6 months
Sources
Related Resources
Related Physical Concerns
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.
My Baby Curls Their Toes
Toe curling is very common in babies and is usually caused by the plantar grasp reflex, which is a normal newborn reflex that causes toes to curl when the sole of the foot is touched. This reflex typically fades by 9-12 months. Occasional toe curling during standing or walking is also normal as babies figure out their balance. Persistent, tight toe curling past 12 months may warrant a mention to your pediatrician.
My Baby Favors One Leg
Babies should use both legs roughly equally when kicking, crawling, and eventually walking. If your baby consistently favors one leg or seems to avoid using the other, it is worth having your pediatrician take a look. The cause is often something simple and treatable, like a minor hip or muscle issue, but early evaluation helps ensure the best outcome.
My Baby Gets Hiccups a Lot
Hiccups are extremely common in babies, especially newborns, and are almost always completely harmless. They happen because your baby's diaphragm is still developing and gets a little jumpy when their tiny stomach fills up or air gets swallowed. Most babies outgrow frequent hiccupping by 6-9 months.
My Baby Has Jerky Movements
Newborns and young babies often have jerky, uncoordinated movements because their nervous systems are still developing. What looks like random flailing is actually your baby learning how their body works. These movements typically become smoother and more controlled by 3-4 months as motor skills mature.
Baby Not Bearing Weight on Arms
Bearing weight on the arms is a gradual skill that develops during the first 6 months. Babies first prop up on their forearms around 2 to 4 months, then progress to pushing up on extended arms by 5 to 6 months. Regular tummy time is the best way to build this strength, even if your baby protests at first.