W-Sitting in Children: What Parents Should Know
W-sitting is when a child sits on their bottom with their knees bent and feet positioned outside of their hips. If you’re standing above your child, you will see their legs and body make the shape of a W.
Understanding W-Sitting in Children
W-sitting is typically first seen around toddler age. Many children simply prefer W-sitting because it’s comfortable for playtime on the floor. The wide leg placement gives them a strong base of support that keeps their body upright and stable without much effort from their muscles. For this same reason, W-sitting is also favored by children with less core or trunk strength.
Watch our 1 minute video about W-sitting and why it matters:
Is W-Sitting bad?
Often children move in and out of a W-sitting position while they’re playing. It’s okay for your child to move into a W-position sometimes, as long as they are not sitting in this position too frequently or for long periods of time. Consistent W-sitting posture in children may be a sign of motor-related issues.
What to Know About Frequent W-Sitting
If your child frequently W-sits and seems to prefer this position over other types of sitting, you may want to take note of these things:
Limited Trunk/Core Strength: The wide sitting stance of the W position makes it easier to keep the body upright. Children sitting in a W position don’t have to use their core muscles as much and won’t develop them as they would in other sitting positions.
Lack of Cross Body Movements: The W position makes it difficult for children to rotate their upper bodies and reach across to either side with one or both arms.
No Hand Preference: In a W-sitting position, a child has too much trunk control and stability. It’s very easy to use either hand to accomplish tasks. However, developing hand preference is important for writing ability later on.
Increased Muscle Tightness: If a child is prone to muscle tightness or hypertonia, then sitting in a W position may increase tightness in hips, knees, and ankles.
What can you do about your child’s W-Sitting?
As with many habits and behaviors children do, the key is moderation. Sitting in any one position for too long isn’t great for the body, so it’s good for your child to change how they sit every so often. If you notice your child frequently W-sitting, showing them alternate sitting positions can help. Try encouraging these sitting positions during play:
Legs crossed (”criss-cross applesauce” or pretzel sitting): Child sits on their bottom, crosses their legs, bends their knees and tucks their feet underneath.
Legs in front (long sitting): Child sits on their bottom with their legs straight in front of them.
Legs to the side (side sitting) : Child sits on their bottom and bends their knees so both legs are lying in one direction on one side of their body.
Learn about other common sitting positions your child may do, from 3-12 months through early childhood.
If you have concerns about your child’s frequent W-sitting, talk to their healthcare provider. They may refer your child to a specialist in occupational or physical therapy, who can address issues with muscle tone and strength.
