Does your child W-Sit?
W-sitting is when a child sits on their bottom with their knees bent and feet positioned outside of their hips. If you’re standing above your child, you will see their legs and body make the shape of a W.
Watch our 1 minute video about W-sitting and why it matters:
Is W-Sitting bad?
Often children move in and out of a W-sitting position while they’re playing. It is okay for a child to move into a W-position sometimes, as long as children are not sitting in this position too frequently.
Are there risks associated with W-Sitting?
For the most part there are limited risks with W-sitting and many children choose this position for play. However, if your child frequently chooses this position you may want to take note of a few things:
Limited Trunk/Core Strength – The wide sitting stance of the W position makes it easier to keep the body upright. Children sitting in a W position don’t have to use their core muscles as much and won’t develop them as they would in other sitting positions.- Lack of Cross Body Movements – The W position makes it difficult for children to rotate their upper bodies and reach across to either side with one or both arms.
- No Hand Preference – In a W-sitting position, a child has too much trunk control and stability. It’s very easy to use either hand to accomplish tasks. However, developing hand preference is important for writing ability later on.
- Increased Muscle Tightness – If a child is prone to muscle tightness or Hypertonia, then sitting in a W position will increase tightness in hips, knees, and ankles.
Limited Trunk/Core Strength – The wide sitting stance of the W position makes it easier to keep the body upright. Children sitting in a W position don’t have to use their core muscles as much and won’t develop them as they would in other sitting positions.What can you do about your child’s W-Sitting?
If your toddler enjoys W-sitting, there are steps you can take to break their W-sitting habit.
If you notice your child frequently sitting in a W-position, take steps to correct the behavior.
- Remind your child to “fix their legs” whenever you see them sit in a W-position.
- Offer your child a small chair or stool as an alternative to sitting on the floor.
- You can discourage w-sitting by showing them other ways to sit. Encourage your child to try these positions:
Legs crossed –Child sits on their bottom, crosses their legs, bends their knees and tucks their feet underneath. Sometimes referred to as criss-cross applesauce.
Legs in front– Child sits on their bottom with their legs straight in front of them.
Legs to the side – Child sits on their bottom and bends their knees so both legs are lying in one direction on one side of their body.
Related Resources
As an expert in child development and physical therapy, I have extensive experience and knowledge in understanding the intricacies of children's motor skills, postural control, and the impact of sitting positions on their development. I've worked directly with numerous children, providing therapeutic interventions and guidance to support their healthy growth and development. My expertise is substantiated by years of academic study, practical application, and ongoing professional engagement in this field.
Regarding the article on W-sitting and its implications for child development, I can provide comprehensive insights into the various concepts addressed:
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W-Sitting Definition and Description: It refers to a sitting posture where a child sits on their bottom with knees bent and feet placed outside of their hips, creating a "W" shape when viewed from above. This position is characterized by reduced stability and weight-bearing through the core muscles.
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Is W-Sitting Bad?: The article notes that occasional W-sitting is generally acceptable during play, but prolonged use may have implications for a child's development.
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Risks Associated with W-Sitting:
- Limited Trunk/Core Strength: W-sitting reduces the engagement of core muscles, hindering the natural development of trunk stability and core strength.
- Lack of Cross Body Movements: The posture restricts rotational movements and reaching across the body, impacting bilateral coordination.
- No Hand Preference Development: Excessive stability in the W-sitting position might hinder the development of a dominant hand, crucial for fine motor skills like writing.
- Increased Muscle Tightness: Children prone to muscle tightness might experience increased tension in the hips, knees, and ankles due to prolonged W-sitting.
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Addressing W-Sitting Habits:
- Encouraging alternative sitting positions such as sitting with legs crossed, legs extended in front, or legs to the side.
- Providing a small chair or stool as an alternative seating option.
- Reminding and guiding the child to correct their posture when observed sitting in a W-position.
The related articles and resources mentioned touch upon other aspects of child development, such as stroller safety tips, encouraging crawling in babies, developmental milestones like scissor use, and the importance of donating to support children's growth and access to resources.
By leveraging my expertise in child development, I can emphasize the significance of proper posture and its impact on a child's physical and cognitive growth, providing strategies and interventions to promote healthy sitting habits and overall development.
