Post 24: W-Sitting and Your Child: Why I Don’t Worry—and What I Do Instead
If someone has ever said, “Don’t let your child sit like that!” when your little one drops into a W-sit, you’re not alone. I used to worry about it too. With time, working closely with families—and learning from experts like Dr. Peter Rosenbaum—my view changed.
Today, I don’t fear W-sitting. I see it for what it often is: a smart, adaptive position kids choose because it helps them balance, play, and use their hands—especially while their bodies are still developing other options.
In this post, I’ll share why many children naturally pick W-sitting, why it’s not helpful to police it, and simple ways to add movement variety—without battles, blame, or taking play away.
Want a broader, kinder view of childhood disability? I recommend Dr. Peter Rosenbaum’s keynote where he presents the “F-words in Childhood Disability.” I’ll link the video at the end so you can watch it.
I originally shared this video inside my Facebook group, where I explained why I no longer fear W-sitting. In it, I talk about how hip orientation and bone development influence the way children sit, why forcing posture doesn’t really help, and how gentle, everyday movements during play can make the biggest difference over time.
What Is W-Sitting—and Why Do Kids Do It?
W-sitting is when your child sits on their bottom with their knees bent and feet outside their hips, forming a “W” shape. Parents often notice their child looks steady in this position. That’s not a coincidence—it’s the body being clever.
Big, stable base: The “W” creates a wide base and lowers the center of gravity. If trunk control is still developing, this feels safe and secure.
Hands are free: With the pelvis supported, the spine steadies, and the hands are free for building, drawing, and feeding—the fun part of play!
It fits their hips right now: Some children have more internal rotation at the hips, so their bones and soft tissues simply allow this position more comfortably.
Here’s the key reframe: W-sitting is usually a result of how the hips are shaped and oriented at this stage—not the cause of it. Kids often choose it because it feels right for their bodies and lets them play freely.
“Will W-Sitting Harm My Child’s Hips?”
This is one of the most common fears I hear. Here’s what I share with parents:
Bodies vary—naturally. Hip shape and rotation are different for every child. Some adults can still W-sit comfortably and live active, healthy lives.
Real life isn’t a simple cause → effect. Growth, bone shape, tone, and activity all play a part. There’s no evidence that occasional W-sitting causes harm. Kids choose it because it matches their structure and control at that moment.
Function matters most. If your child is comfortable, pain-free, and playing, I don’t remove a position—I add options. Taking W-sitting away without an alternative can:
Reduce play time
Limit hand use
Increase frustration
Lead to awkward compensations
Bottom line: I don’t encourage W-sitting—but I don’t forbid it either. My focus is always on comfort, function, and variety.
The Fascia View: Tiny Loads, All Day Long
Our fascia—the web that connects every part of the body—responds to tiny, frequent movements throughout the day. The pelvis, hips, and spine slowly adapt to these micro-movements, not to a few minutes of stretching or “fixing posture.”
That’s why forcing a new position rarely changes much. What truly matters is the 24/7 environment:
the positions your child can access,
how easily they breathe,
how the diaphragm and belly move,
and the gentle shifts that happen during play.
So instead of fighting the W, I ask:
How can we invite more movement around the pelvis?
How can we encourage small weight shifts?
How can we wake up the diaphragm and pelvic floor?
How can we keep play going while doing all this?
That’s where simple tools make magic.
Easy Add-Ons (That Don’t Interrupt Play)
You don’t need to stop playing to invite more movement. Try these little tweaks:
1️⃣ The Soft Shift
Slip a folded towel, sponge, or small cushion under one sit bone or thigh (even in W-sit).
This tiny lift encourages gentle side-to-side shifting—without interrupting play.
Switch sides when you remember. No timers needed.
2️⃣ The Ball Trick
Place a small ball (partly filled with water so it doesn’t roll) under the pelvis or thigh.
It creates soft instability, encouraging micro rocking and bouncing. The body quietly does the work while your child keeps playing.
3️⃣ The Floaties (Inflatable Helpers)
Repurpose inflatable swim floaties!
They limit how deep your child drops into the W while keeping the base comfy. The gentle spring adds movement around the pelvis and spine.
Bonus: many kids can crawl and sit with them—movement and play blend naturally.
4️⃣ Celebrate In-and-Out
Instead of “Don’t sit like that,” celebrate transitions!
Place a favorite toy slightly to one side so your child leans, rotates, and returns. Those little shifts are gold for the hips and spine.
None of these ideas ban W-sitting. They layer gentle movement on top of it—which is what we’re really after.
“Criss-Cross, Please!”—Why It Often Flops
You’ve probably asked your child to “sit criss-cross,” only to see their pelvis tuck, spine slump, and hands lose freedom. That’s because many kids don’t yet have the hip range, pelvic alignment, or trunk stability for that posture.
When we insist, we often see:
Rounded posture and shallow breathing
Less stable hands
Frustrated or tired children
My rule of thumb is simple: comfort first, hands free second, movement layered in third.
When we follow this order and use small add-ons, variety shows up naturally—side-sitting, long-sitting, half-kneel, tall-kneel, even better criss-cross sitting.
Why “Permission” Helps Everyone
So many parents sigh with relief when I say, “It’s okay to let them W-sit.” You’re not doing it wrong. Your child’s body is choosing a position that supports play.
When we stop banning and start adding:
Play time grows
Hand skills improve
Micro-movements add up
Transitions multiply
Variety blossoms
I’m not aiming for a “perfect” posture. I’m aiming for participation, comfort, and confidence—the foundations that shape the body from within.
What About Crawling?
If your child is crawling or nearly there, the floatie setup can be wonderful. It keeps a stable base when sitting, adds a gentle bounce for the pelvic floor, encourages weight shifts, and lets the hands stay free during transitions.
Most kids quickly forget it’s even there—they’re too busy exploring!
Quick FAQs
How long can my child W-sit?
I don’t time it. I watch the quality of play. If they’re comfortable, breathing well, and engaged, it’s okay. Just add variety when you can.
Should I correct them every time?
No. Constant correction interrupts play and can frustrate your child. Offer invitations instead:
“Let’s try this cushion,” or “Want to play with your floatie friend?”
Will they grow out of it?
Many children naturally develop more variety as their fascia, pelvis, and trunk strengthen. Our job is to make variety easy and enjoyable.
What if my therapist says ‘never allow it’?
You can share that your focus is function and participation, and that you’re adding movement options to support development. You’re happy to collaborate on expanding choices—not limiting them.
Want to Go Deeper?
If this perspective resonates, you’ll love Dr. Peter Rosenbaum’s keynote—a compassionate, participation-first talk about how we can see children’s abilities through a kinder lens. You can watch it here.
And if you want more parent-friendly ideas to “feed the fascia” and support your child’s trunk and pelvis, you’ll find them on this blog and inside the different WeFlow programs.
You’re doing great. Keep play alive—and let’s add options.
Ready to Start?
Take your first step into fascia therapy with our short, parent-friendly workshop:
The #1 Fascia Therapy To Improve Torso Control
Gentle, effective, and easy to begin—no experience needed.
Want to Go Deeper?
If you’re ready to fully embrace this gentle approach and receive personalized support, apply for TheraParent Coaching—our therapeutic coaching program designed for dedicated parents like you.
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Apply here – it’s free to explore.
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