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It is difficult to determine when a baby will be able to sit up from the lying down position unaided. Typically, it takes about three months for babies to develop enough strength in their neck muscles and upper back muscles. However, this can vary depending on when your baby was born and how much time they spend practicing sitting up before that point.
Babies can sit up from 6 months
Babies can sit up by themselves when they have a strong neck and upper back muscles, but when do babies sit up from lying down can vary according to when your baby was born. Some babies can sit up when they are only six months old. However, other babies need more time to build enough strength in their neck muscles and upper back muscles before they will be able to sit up unaided.
Babies typically start sitting when they are about three months old or when they reach eight pounds (which is around the average birth weight for babies). However, when do babies sit up from lying down can vary depending on when your baby was born and how much time they spend practicing sitting up before that point.
When can babies sit up from prone position?
Sitting up unaided is one thing but to sit up from a lying down position takes a huge feat of strength and concentration from the baby. It is not exactly a milestone but most parents will still expect it to happen at some point. So when can a baby do this? Well, it depends on a lot of factors
- How early they could sit up in the first place
- Are they active crawlers?
- Do they get plenty of tummy time?
- Are they interested in sitting and get encouraged to do so?
Some babies may be able to push down on their stomachs to lift themselves up at 7 months old but generally it will be 12 months old before most will do this. Lying down and getting into the sitting position is much harder than on the stomach so don’t expect this to happen too soon.
How can I get my baby to practice sitting up from lying down?
If you want to get your baby used to the idea of sitting up when they are a good age for this then there some things that can help. Firstly, when it is time for feeding or changing give them lots of practice with tummy time while on their back. This will build strength in their neck and upper body muscles which will benefit when they are on their front.
Putting your baby in the sitting position regularly can help keep them interesting in wanting to do it more often. Buying baby seats for the home, taking them out in a stroller/pram that sits them up and even the baby carrier forces them to use muscles needed for getting up from lying down. Get them into the routine of being in this position when at home and when out so they are used to it. Baby bouncers are also good for late bloomers, we have reviewed a few door bouncers.
Don’t expect too much for a while if you have an older baby who has not shown any signs that they want to sit up on their own, or maybe never done this when younger either. Just give lots of tummy time when they are on their backs when you can and praise them when they manage to push themselves up.
For the baby who is active in crawling, rolling over etc then there will probably be no problem when it comes to sitting up when ready. They may even do this unaided before 12 months old if not later but certainly by 18 months
