After months of laying down on his front during waking hours, and his back during naps and longer sleeps, eventually every baby is ready to start moving! This usually happens at around the six-month-old mark, but it may happen a little earlier or later depending on your child. (Unless your child is not showing any interest in physical movement, the timing slightly earlier or a little later is nothing to worry about.)
Learning to sit
Maria has written a really useful guide (from first hand experience with her son!) on encouraging your child's first efforts to sit up. You can check it out by clicking here.
When is the time right for sitting up?
Your child needs to have enough neck, shoulder and body strength to properly support himself. Babies who are encouraged to play on their front during waking hours (from as early as possible) will start to push up on their hands and you will see their back-strength develop.
Your baby needs to acquire some idea of balance, though you can surround him with cushions for base-support and a soft landing for topples until his balance really develops over the next three or four months.
Allowing your baby to sit up does not mean he's ready to sit in front of the telly while you go off to do chores. Find times in the day for 'sitting up' when you can sit on the floor with him. (Never perch him sitting up on a sofa but on a soft, flat base surface on the floor.) Sit face to face and engage him with facial expressions, words or with first books and colourful toys. Playing peek-a-boo already appeals to a baby by this age.
Don't over-tire your baby. Allow him some sitting up time but also make sure he has time to stretch out and enjoy some mat time (on his front as much as possible during waking hours) and that he still gets plenty of cuddle time with you!
