Your baby will try to sit up each day. Although some babies won’t try at all (at least until the later stages), there’s nothing wrong with that. Every baby develops differently, and there is a wide spectrum of what is presumed “normal.”
But if you want to prepare for your infant’s developmental milestone, we have put together a guide to help you prepare for when your baby starts sitting up—from the signs that your baby is ready to sit to the right baby gear you’ll need to support them as they learn.
What Happens When A Baby Starts Sitting Independently?
Parents always look forward to seeing their little ones reach each new milestone— their first smile, first steps, and words. But one of their most noteworthy milestones is when a child first masters the ability to sit up alone.
This simple feat is a major accomplishment for any infant and is an important stage in their development. So, what are the indicators they can sit by themselves?
#1: They Start to Develop Their Muscles
When a baby finally learns how to sit, it’s a huge developmental milestone for both the parent and the child.
Children are already developing the muscles for crawling, walking, and eating. Also, parents can now use a booster seat or high chair instead of holding their babies during mealtime, since they can now sit upright. All of these developments mean that parents can finally have a bit of a break!
#2: They Contemplate Their Surroundings in New Ways
Now that they can sit up, their perspective of their surroundings has changed. They absorb all the sights and noises around them. They also can see things hidden from them before.
With their newfound mobility, babies have greater control over their environment and can better understand what’s happening around them.
#3: They Are Steadily Improving at Coordinating
Some parents don’t give sitting down much thought, but it’s challenging! When you sit, you must balance your body weight on your bottom while keeping your head up.
It takes a lot for kids to practice sitting. But as they become more proficient in this skill, they’ll also develop control over their arms and legs. This improved coordination will be essential when they start walking or running. In other words, it may look like your baby is merely lounging around, but they are actually developing other skills!
#4: They Can Now Grab Things With Ease
Sitting gives babies a better vantage point to start grabbing things—an exciting milestone that usually happens at around seven to nine months old. Now that they can sit independently, parents should give them lots of interesting toys within arm’s reach to practice their newly found skill.
It’s also the right moment to start baby-proofing your home. Taking a few efficient actions can help keep your curious little one safe and protected. Moving dangerous objects out of reach or installing safety covers on electrical outlets are some examples.
5 Classic Signs That Your Baby Is Ready To Sit on a High Chair
Seeing your child sit up on their own is a proud moment for all parents. Suddenly, they’re no longer content to lie in your arms or be propped up in a bouncy seat. Instead, they desire to become more familiar with their environment.
And if you want to continue seeing them grow and explore, using a high chair is an ideal tool for this stage. Your baby can sit in a high chair safely and comfortably as they eat, play, and learn. But are they capable of adapting? Can they already transition from crawling to sitting? Let’s look at a few indicators that your child is ready for a high chair.
#1: They Can Sit Upright Unsupported
Sitting in a more upright position indicates that your baby is suitable for using a high chair. At this stage, their back, neck, and head are all in alignment, and they have the strength to hold this position. Of course, you’ll still need to lend a hand and oversee as they become accustomed to the new chair.
But once they’re settled in, they’ll be able to enjoy mealtimes with the whole family. And who knows? They might even be able to reach their hands out and grab a few pieces of food themselves!
#2: They Start to Eat Solid Foods
Fruits and vegetables reduced to a smooth consistency are a staple for many babies and toddlers. But as they grow, they’ll begin showing interest in new textures. You may see them chewing on crackers or Cheerios or biting off larger pieces of food. This implies that you must join them at their mealtime.
A high chair will give them the perfect opportunity to do this. Rather than being held in your lap, they can be at the table with you, so they feel like they’re a part of the action. You can also easily offer them little bits of whatever you’re having. This way, they can start to self-feed and discover various flavors and sensations.
#3: They Have Good Head Control
When babies are first born, their necks are very weak, and they can’t support their heads for long periods. But by the time they’re ready for solid foods, they should have much better head control.
Test their head control by gently placing them in a sitting position and letting them go. Good head control signifies they can hold their head up independently and aren’t constantly tipping over to the side. But if their head falls forward or to the side, they don’t have enough control.
#4: They Show Interest in Sitting in a High Chair
Observe your baby and how they behave. If you see them trying to climb up into a high chair or looking longingly at other babies sitting in high chairs, it’s a complete sign that they’re ready to join the ranks of toddlers or children who can sit in a high chair.
If you’re uncertain, try putting them in a high chair with the tray removed and see how they do. If they seem comfortable and stable, it’s probably time to use a high chair.
#5: They Show Curiosity about Everything
Around the 8-month mark, babies start to develop their pincer grasp. At this point, they know how to pick up small items using their thumb and first finger. This development in their agility means they can now start feeding themselves.
Unfortunately, it also means they are likely to try and grab whatever they see, including food not meant for them. A high chair will prevent your infant from getting into mischief and monitor their actions.
The Ideal Gear for Sitting Up: High Chairs for Babies
For many parents, mealtime is a cherished opportunity to gather together and recap the day. But if you have a baby at home, it’s hard to include them in the fun. That’s where high chairs come in handy!
High chairs are the best baby gear to train your baby to sit up. They have numerous features that make them ideal for this developmental stage:
- High chairs have a built-in tray that contains your child’s food. This removable tray is great for messy eaters or those just learning to eat solid foods. You can also withdraw this detachable tray for easy cleaning.
- High chairs typically have a five-point harness system. Its safety straps stop the child from slipping out of the chair when they reach something.
- High chairs normally have multiple height settings. Their various settings ensure that your baby will be at the correct height for the table, making reaching their food easier and decreasing the likelihood of slumping.
- High chairs have a wide, stable base. This base will hold the high chair from tipping over, even if your baby wiggles around a lot.
- High chairs have comfortable, padded seats. Your baby will be spending a lot of time in their high chair, so it’s necessary to have a comfortable place to sit.
- Some baby high chairs have built-in toys or music to keep your child entertained during feeding.
- Some baby high chairs also have a reclining feature, which can be useful for naps or when your child feels fuzzy.
Is Your Baby Ready? Use the Right High Chair for Them
Now that you know more about when babies are ready to start sitting in high chairs, it’s time to reassess. If you feel like your baby can sit on their own, time to find the ideal high chair for them. Ashtonbee has the right baby chair to grow with your child from infancy through toddlerhood.
It features a safety harness that keeps your infant safe and secure and a tray that you can remove for easy maintenance. For added durability, the legs are made from solid beech tree wood. The high back provides support as they learn to sit up on their own, and the chair’s simple finish will look great in any room of your house.
Browse Ashtonbee’s selection today and find all the baby gear you need.
