What is “W” sitting?
W-sitting is a sitting position in which children sit with their knees bent, feet tucked under, bottom resting on the floor between their legs, and legs out to either side, forming a "W" shape with their legs and knees.
“W” sitting is considered a normal sitting position for children under 2.5 years as it is the transition from rocking on all fours to sitting. After 2.5 years it is no-longer a supportive position.
Prolonged W-sitting can lead to a variety of developmental issues. Here are some of the reasons why W-sitting is generally discouraged:
Promotes poor posture:
W-sitting fails to engage trunk and postural muscles and encourages poor alignment of the spine. In a W-sit, the child’s thighs roll inward and pelvis tips back to accommodate, causing the spine to form a c-curve rather than its natural s-shape.
Discourages activation of trunk muscles leading to deficits in balance:
W-sitting fails to engage the core muscles that are necessary for maintaining balance and stability.
Inhibits exploration and movement between positions:
Children who frequently use W-sitting may become "fixed" in this position and have difficulty transitioning to other positions or interacting freely with their environment.
Keeps children confined to play only in midline:
W-sitting limits a child's ability to reach and explore outside of their midline, which can hinder their development.
May lead to orthopaedic issues:
W-sitting can cause muscle tightness, especially in the hips, and may lead to hamstring tightness, tibial torsion, and hip dislocation.
Alternative Sitting Positions to encourage correction:
Side sitting:
Prompt the child to sit on the side with both legs folded over the other.
Half cross leg sit:
Encourage the child to sit with one leg cross over and the other in a bend position, pointing back.
Leg up, half cross leg sit:
Similar to the half cross leg sit, instruct the child to raise one leg up in a bend. While positioning the other leg in a cross.
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