Physical Development

My Baby Sits in the W Position

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines

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Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about sits in the w position, here is what you need to know.

The short answer

W-sitting (sitting with knees bent and feet out to the sides forming a W shape) is common in children and is not always a problem. Occasional W-sitting is normal. However, if your child W-sits exclusively and cannot sit in other positions comfortably, it may indicate core weakness or hip tightness that should be addressed.

Key takeaways

  • W-sitting (sitting with knees bent and feet out to the sides forming a W shape) is common in children and is not always a problem. Occasional W-sitting is normal. However, if your child W-sits exclusively and cannot sit in other positions comfortably, it may indicate core weakness or hip tightness that should be addressed.
  • Usually normal when: Your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions.
  • Call your doctor if: Your child has pain in their hips or legs.
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Supervised tummy time is recommended daily from the time the baby comes home from the hospital to help prevent flat head syndrome and to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.”
— Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAP, NIH, CDC guidelines, w-sitting (sitting with knees bent and feet out to the sides forming a W shape) is common in children and is not always a problem. Occasional W-sitting is normal. However, if your child W-sits exclusively and cannot sit in other positions comfortably, it may indicate core weakness or hip tightness that should be addressed. At 6-12 months, some babies naturally transition through a W-sit position as they learn to sit. If your baby can also sit in other positions (cross-legged, legs forward, side sitting), occasional W-sitting is not concerning. Babies with flexible joints may find this position comfortable. It is generally considered normal when your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if your child has pain in their hips or legs.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions.
Your child has pain in their hips or legs.
Your child can sit cross-legged, long-sit, and side-sit as well.
Your child has suddenly started W-sitting after not doing so before, along with other motor changes.
Your child has no pain or difficulty with movement.
Your child exclusively W-sits and refuses or cannot sit in other positions.
W-sitting is one of several positions your child uses during play.
Your child seems to have weak core muscles or poor balance in other sitting positions.

By Age

What to expect by age

6-12 months

Some babies naturally transition through a W-sit position as they learn to sit. If your baby can also sit in other positions (cross-legged, legs forward, side sitting), occasional W-sitting is not concerning. Babies with flexible joints may find this position comfortable.

12-18 months

If your toddler W-sits sometimes but easily switches to other positions, this is generally fine. W-sitting provides a wide base of support that some children prefer. Gently encourage other sitting positions by offering activities that require reaching or turning.

18-24 months

If W-sitting is your child's default position and they seem unable or unwilling to sit any other way, mention it to your pediatrician. Exclusive W-sitting can indicate low core strength (the wide base compensates for weak trunk muscles) or tight hip rotators.

2-4 years

Persistent exclusive W-sitting should be evaluated. While research shows it does not cause the orthopedic problems once feared in most children, it can be a sign that your child needs core strengthening. Occupational or physical therapy can help your child develop the trunk strength to sit in varied positions.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed sits in the w position and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child exclusively W-sits and refuses or cannot sit in other positions.
  • Mention if your child seems to have weak core muscles or poor balance in other sitting positions.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions.
  • Your child can sit cross-legged, long-sit, and side-sit as well.
  • Your child has no pain or difficulty with movement.
  • W-sitting is one of several positions your child uses during play.
Mention at your next visit when...
  • Your child exclusively W-sits and refuses or cannot sit in other positions.
  • Your child seems to have weak core muscles or poor balance in other sitting positions.
  • Your child has a family history of hip problems.
  • Your child's legs seem to turn inward when walking.
Act now when...
  • Your child has pain in their hips or legs.
  • Your child has suddenly started W-sitting after not doing so before, along with other motor changes.

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice sits in the w position — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if your child has pain in their hips or legs.

My Toddler Sits in a W Position

W-sitting - when a child sits with their bottom on the floor and legs splayed out to each side forming a "W" shape - is very common in toddlers and is usually not harmful in moderation. It becomes a concern only if it's the only way your child sits, if they can't sit in other positions, or if it's accompanied by other motor difficulties.

Poor Trunk Control

Trunk control - the ability to hold the torso upright and stable - develops progressively throughout the first year. It is essential for sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Babies build trunk control through tummy time, supported sitting, and active play. If your baby seems unusually floppy in the trunk or slumps significantly when sitting, your pediatrician can assess whether their core strength is developing as expected.

Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)

Low muscle tone means your baby's muscles feel less firm or their body feels "floppy" when you hold them. While it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, many babies with mildly low tone do very well with support and strengthening activities.

Milestone

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Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

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Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is sits in the w position normal?
W-sitting (sitting with knees bent and feet out to the sides forming a W shape) is common in children and is not always a problem. Occasional W-sitting is normal. However, if your child W-sits exclusively and cannot sit in other positions comfortably, it may indicate core weakness or hip tightness that should be addressed.
When should I call the doctor about sits in the w position?
Your child has pain in their hips or legs. Your child has suddenly started W-sitting after not doing so before, along with other motor changes.
When is sits in the w position normal?
Your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions. Your child can sit cross-legged, long-sit, and side-sit as well. Your child has no pain or difficulty with movement.
What causes sits in the w position?
W-sitting (sitting with knees bent and feet out to the sides forming a W shape) is common in children and is not always a problem. Occasional W-sitting is normal. However, if your child W-sits exclusively and cannot sit in other positions comfortably, it may indicate core weakness or hip tightness that should be addressed. Common explanations include: Your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions.. Your child can sit cross-legged, long-sit, and side-sit as well..
What should I mention to my pediatrician about sits in the w position?
You should mention sits in the w position at your next visit if: Your child exclusively W-sits and refuses or cannot sit in other positions.. Your child seems to have weak core muscles or poor balance in other sitting positions.. Your child has a family history of hip problems..
Is sits in the w position normal at 6-12 months?
Some babies naturally transition through a W-sit position as they learn to sit. If your baby can also sit in other positions (cross-legged, legs forward, side sitting), occasional W-sitting is not concerning. Babies with flexible joints may find this position comfortable.
Is sits in the w position normal at 12-18 months?
If your toddler W-sits sometimes but easily switches to other positions, this is generally fine. W-sitting provides a wide base of support that some children prefer. Gently encourage other sitting positions by offering activities that require reaching or turning.
Should I go to the ER for sits in the w position?
Seek emergency care if your child has pain in their hips or legs, or if your child has suddenly started W-sitting after not doing so before, along with other motor changes. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does sits in the w position go away on its own?
In many cases, sits in the w position resolves on its own, especially when your child W-sits occasionally but easily moves into other positions. By 2-4 years, persistent exclusive W-sitting should be evaluated. While research shows it does not cause the orthopedic problems once feared in most children, it can be a sign that your child needs core strengthening. Occupational or physical therapy can help your child develop the trunk strength to sit in varied positions.
AAPNIHCDC

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Pediatrics - W-Sitting and Your Child AAP
  2. [2]Goldstein M, et al. W-Sitting Position in Children: A Review. Pediatr Phys Ther. 2017 NIH
  3. [3]CDC - Important Milestones: Your Child By 2 Years CDC

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss My Baby Sits in the W Position.

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed sits in the w position and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if your child exclusively W-sits and refuses or cannot sit in other positions.
  • Mention if your child seems to have weak core muscles or poor balance in other sitting positions.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • Your child exclusively W-sits and refuses or cannot sit in other positions.
  • Your child seems to have weak core muscles or poor balance in other sitting positions.
  • Your child has a family history of hip problems.

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Your child has pain in their hips or legs.
  • Your child has suddenly started W-sitting after not doing so before, along with other motor changes.

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Milestone ChecklistsEarly Intervention DirectoryDevelopmental ActivitiesBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of sits in the w position are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if your child has pain in their hips or legs.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Physical Concerns

My Toddler Sits in a W Position

W-sitting - when a child sits with their bottom on the floor and legs splayed out to each side forming a "W" shape - is very common in toddlers and is usually not harmful in moderation. It becomes a concern only if it's the only way your child sits, if they can't sit in other positions, or if it's accompanied by other motor difficulties.

Poor Trunk Control

Trunk control - the ability to hold the torso upright and stable - develops progressively throughout the first year. It is essential for sitting, crawling, standing, and walking. Babies build trunk control through tummy time, supported sitting, and active play. If your baby seems unusually floppy in the trunk or slumps significantly when sitting, your pediatrician can assess whether their core strength is developing as expected.

Low Muscle Tone (Hypotonia)

Low muscle tone means your baby's muscles feel less firm or their body feels "floppy" when you hold them. While it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition, many babies with mildly low tone do very well with support and strengthening activities.

Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?

Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.

Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment

Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.

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.