Why 'W sitting" may be a problem for your toddler.

You see it all the time. Many toddlers sit with their feet splayed out behind their bottoms, especially when they first start sitting independently. When therapists and sports coaches see this sitting position in older kids, they react as though someone just scratched their fingers down a chalkboard.  Why?

To begin, while the little legs of toddlers and young children are quite flexible, the "W" sitting position stretches the tendons that wrap around the knees. Not a big deal for flexible little bodies, but if perpetuated, the tendons become lax and can cause trouble later in life, especially as they grow and begin engaging in rigorous sporting activities.

But here's the big problem about "W Sitting" for your toddler right now. When "W Sitting" the body is locked down and the chance to fall over is minimized. This is a good thing-­‐right? Wrong! Toddlers need to build endurance and strength in upright sitting positions. They should be able to do this without extra support. When children learn to sit properly, the trunk muscles are activated to help maintain balance and sit in an upright position. That doesn't happen when "W sitting. As a result, the core muscles don't get the workout they need. That leads to less ability to balance, reach and move around effectively. When kids get to school, the ability to sit up and pay attention in class is compromised.

I have worked with toddlers, comfortable and confident in sitting positions.  When  they are able to cross their legs, side sit or keep their legs in front of them (long sitting) they are much more flexible. Reaching for toys and moving into other positions for play are easier to do. Their arms can stretch and reach for toys. When toddlers stretch and reach, the body gets a real work out.  Think core!

When locked into a “W Sit,” the ability to reach is restricted.  Independence in floor  time play is limited and the core muscles don’t get the workout they need.    All the great core work that happens in regular sitting positions won’t happen.  Lost opportunity!   
 

Why do some toddlers gravitate to this position?  Here are the most common  reasons:

• Weak core strength
• Fearful of falling
• Fearful of movement.

How do you help your toddler get comfortable in crossed and straight leg sitting positions?

• Help strengthen core muscles with tummy play
• Make sure your toddler enjoys movement. This is a great time to work on pretend crashing and falling games to be silly! Falling onto a pile of pillows is especially fun.
• When playing on the floor with your toddler, be sure to place toys slightly out of immediate reach so some active stretching has to occur to retrieve the toys.
• Encourage rolling. This strengthens all the trunk muscles used for sitting.

Next: 5 Activities to get your toddler moving

By Jill Mays, author of Your Child's Motor Development Story - Understanding and enhancing development from birth to their first sport. Jill has worked with children for more than 30 years. A mother of three children, she has juggled motherhood with her work in a private occupational therapy practice and consulting where she helps parents and educators understand the complex concepts of sensorimotor development.