Woes of W-sitting
W-sitting is a common seated position for children, along with criss-cross, ring sitting, and side sitting. In the W-sit position, a child sits on their bottom with both knees bent and their feet and legs out to each side. If you stood over them, you would see that their legs create a “W” shape.
Because it is such a commonly-seen seated position for children, many parents don’t recognize it and the negative effects this position can have on children’s growth and development in the future, so I’m here to share about the woes of W-sitting!
Why do kids W-sit?
W-sitting is common especially in children with low muscle tone, hypermobile joints, or who have decreased balance and core stability. The W-sit position is a very stable seated position, requiring little need for postural control and stability as kids play and reach in sitting. Due to the ease of playing in this position, it becomes the preferred sitting position for many children, and a habit can be formed.
Why is W-sitting bad?
As a transitional movement, such as if your child is using this sitting position very occasionally to move in and out of position during play, it is normal and developmentally appropriate. As a habitual sitting posture, however, we want to intervene.
Since W-sitting is a very stable position, it does not require activation of trunk/core muscles and does not challenge sitting balance. This can result in weak core musculature and poor trunk control over time. The W-sit also limits the amount of trunk rotation a child is capable of achieving while playing, which can further delay development of trunk muscles. This lack of trunk rotation also limits the child from crossing midline during play, which is important for working on coordination of the two sides of the brain and body.
Prolonged amounts of time spent W-sitting can place your child at risk for developing orthopedic issues in the future. Early childhood is a crucial time period for bone, muscle and joint development, and the W-sit places excessive and abnormal forces on the low back, hips, knees and ankles. Sitting in this position consistently over time can affect the development of these structures and can make your child more susceptible to injuries in those areas in the future.
How do I help my child avoid W-sitting?
Prevention is the key! Being aware of the negative effects of W-sitting from the beginning and correcting this position right away is the most effective way to prevent it from becoming a habit. Once formed, habits are hard to break!
If your child has already developed a preference for W-sitting, be consistent with attempts to correct the habit. Make sure your child is aware of alternative positions to sit in, such as “criss cross applesauce”, long sit with feet straight out in front, kneeling, and side sit with legs bent and off to the same side. Choose a consistent verbal cue to use with your child, such as “fix your feet”, “change your feet”, or “feet in front”. When you see your child W-sitting, encourage them to change positions using your chosen phrase. With consistency, the habit will eventually be broken.
Make sure your child knows about these good sitting positions!
If your child is unable to consistently correct with verbal cues, help manually move their feet to another sitting position. You can also provide alternative seating options, such as a small chair or stool for them to sit and play on while keeping their legs in a more neutral alignment.
Core strengthening is also important! Help your child work on “sit ups”, tilts and reaching while on a therapy ball! (Hold on to baby’s trunk tightly to do this exercise safely). You can also help them activate their trunk muscles and cross midline by setting up their toys to encourage them to reach across their body to play.
Using a therapy ball is a great way to build core strength!
When in doubt, give your PT a shout!
As always, consult your pediatrician and ask for a PT referral if you are concerned about your child’s sitting posture, core and trunk stability, or gross motor skills. W-sitting can sometimes be an indication of underlying weakness, so a PT can help dive into your child’s individual presentation and needs!
TL;DR
W-sitting is a common position for children to sit in
When used as a transitional movement for brief periods during play, it is a normal part of development. If it becomes a habit and your child spends significant amounts of time in this position, we want to intervene
W-sitting can lead to (or indicate) core weakness, difficulties crossing midline, and poor postural control. It also places excessive and abnormal forces on the child’s developing joints, muscles, and bones and can lead to future orthopedic issues.
Help prevent this position from becoming a habit with verbal cues, such as “fix your feet” or “feet in front”! Manually move your child’s legs if needed.
Encourage other ways of sitting, such as long sitting, criss cross, kneeling, or using a chair/stool.