Why I don’t love “W” Sitting…

When I went looking through the stock photos I was a little surprised that the 8th picture down showed a little girl “W” sitting.

What is “W” sitting?

“W” sitting is when a child sits spreading the hips with the bottom on the floor, the knees bent, and the feet behind, making a “W” shape with his/her legs when you’re looking at them from the top. It is different from a kneeling position where the knees, hips and leg bones are all stacked on top of eachother.

Child most frequently “W” sit because it gives them a wider base of support and keeps their center of gravity lower giving them increased stability, especially for a child with a weak core or weak hips. Therefore, we are more likely to see “W” sitting with children who have some increase in joint mobility or lower muscle tone.

Why is “W” sitting a problem?

• W sitting limits weight shift side to side which can delay motor skills
• It can cause uneven shortening and lengthening of hip muscles
• This can create imbalance to cause strength and gait issues.
• There is some research that shows children who “W”-sit are more prone to having flat feet
• It can promote poor posture of the trunk because it does not promote upright sitting
• It does not encourage a changing of positions 

How to help?

• Encourage other sitting options
  • Long sitting: sitting on buttocks with legs straight out
  • Side sitting: sitting with both legs bent to one side
  • Criss-Cross or Tailor sitting: “criss cross apple sauce”
  • Sitting on a small bench or chair 
• Work on core strength with a skilled professional

Have further questions about your child and “W” sitting? Reach out to see if I can help give you some insight and ideas!

Perfectly Yours,

Dr. Mo.