What is “W”sitting?
When a child sits with their bottom on the floor and their legs bent behind and out to the sides, if you look from above child it looks like the letter W.
Is it bad for my child to sit like this?
First, this position can be a transitional position and many kids go through this position to get to another or will briefly sit like this before moving to another position. It is also quite common in kids under age 2. This is perfectly fine!! Please don’t panic if you see your child occasionally sitting like this! It is not “bad” just not recommend/preferred
Why is it not recommended?
-mechanically it can cause tightness in hip flexors, hamstrings, hip rotators and adductors
-it makes it hard to cross midline during play, a crucial skill in development
-hard for child to develop hand preference/dominance
-limits trunk rotation/movement which helps to strengthen the core/trunk
-delays in transitions in and out of certain postures
Why does my child sit like this?
There are several possible reasons, here are a few…
-provides a wide base of support so children who have weak core/trunk tend to prefer this position because it’s easy
-ligamentous laxity that causes a child to feel insecure in positions where joints are not “locked out “
-a child who has vestibular sensitivity may prefer this position because not a lot of movement happens
-spasticity/increase in tone and/or shortened muscle lengths
When should I be correcting it and how?
-if “W” sitting is child’s preferred way of sitting. If every time child is on the floor, you see them in this position or if they have trouble maintaining other positions than “W” sitting or if they sit and stay in this position…that’s when we encourage some alternative positions and/or seeking out professional advice. Again NOT if your child occasionally goes through or in and out of this position throughout the day.
Alternative positions:
-side sitting sitting/“Z” sitting
-criss cross
-ring sitting
-long sitting
-tall kneel
-half kneel
-prone (on tummy)
-in a small chair/couch cushion
-in a bucket/laundry basket/box(no room to w-sit