Exercise 6: 3 months - 1 year: Learn to sit

Learn to sit

In this exercise the child begins to practice sitting without support. The exercise is aimed at young children from about 3 months, but can also be used for older individuals if sitting needs to be trained. A soft surface is needed for this exercise.

Description

Place the child on the floor on a reasonably soft mat. If the surface is too soft it can be difficult for the child to achieve the right sitting balance. If the surface is too hard, the child can hurt herself/himself if she/he loses her/his balance. Children with a weak trunk and neck musculature can have difficulty finding and maintaining their balance when sitting. When you train, it is therefore good to sit behind and help the child to achieve a good upright position. If you notice the child slouching with a rounded back, and not managing to hold up her/his head – then it’s time to have a break. Several short periods where the child achieves a good upright position is better than long periods, where the child does not manage and ends up slouching.