When do babies start sitting up? Signs your little one is getting ready

There’s nothing quite like watching your baby hit those magical first-year milestones. One day, they’re a floppy newborn who can barely hold their head up, and the next, they’re rolling over like a tiny gymnast. All of these little wins lead up to the big moment: when your baby finally sits up on their own (cue proud-parent happy tears!).

But here’s the thing: if you’re wondering “When do babies start sitting up?” or stressing because your friend’s baby is already sitting like a champ while yours is still face-planting during tummy time, you are not alone. Sitting is one of those milestones with a wide window of normal, and every baby gets there at their own pace.

To help you know what to expect, and reassure you along the way, we asked pediatric occupational therapist Marielle Marquez, founder of Thrive Little, to share her expert take on sitting milestones and how to support your little one.

When do babies usually start sitting up?

Most babies start practicing sitting with a bit of help between 5 and 6 months, and by 6 to 8 months, many can sit up on their own without toppling forward like a wobbly Jenga tower.

Marielle explains: “Babies typically begin sitting with support between 5–6 months and independently between 6–8 months.” So if your little one is still working on head control at 5 months or prefers rolling around like a roly-poly at 7 months, don’t panic. The timeline is flexible, and that’s perfectly okay.

Signs your baby is getting ready to sit

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), here’s how you’ll know your baby is inching closer to sitting up like a pro: 

• They’ve got strong head control (no more bobblehead stage!).
• They’re rolling both ways like it’s their favorite party trick.
• During tummy time, they’re pushing up on their arms and surveying the room like little explorers.
• They love grabbing their feet while lying on their back.
• You might even catch them doing mini “baby crunches” like they’re trying to sit up by themselves.

How to help your baby practice sitting (without stressing)

Here’s the good news: helping your baby practice sitting can be fun, playful, and super simple. Marielle’s go-to trick: “My favorite way to practice sitting is sitting behind your baby with your legs encircling them. You can help them prop onto their hands in front of them. This provides a safe boundary around them on all sides when they inevitably tip over!”

Other parent-approved hacks:

• Keep tummy time going strong; it’s like the ultimate ab workout for babies.
• Place toys just out of reach to encourage balance and reaching.
• Be your baby’s cheerleader; lots of smiles and encouragement go a long way.
• Stay close, because wobbles and tumbles are part of the learning curve.

What to skip while your baby learns to sit

Not all sitting practice is helpful. In fact, some things can hold your baby back.

Marielle adds, “Not only is standing before 6 months not great for hip development, but some babies won’t want to sit down after they get a taste of what it’s like to stand!” So skip the baby seats and early standing games; floor play is where the real magic happens.

When to bring it up with your pediatrician

This is the part where a lot of parents start to worry: “What if my baby isn’t sitting yet?” Take a breath, delays are often just a matter of practice.

That said, Marielle recommends: “If baby is not beginning to prop sit by 6–7 months, it’s worth seeking an evaluation from a therapist for support.” Most of the time, everything is totally fine, but getting an extra set of eyes can give you peace of mind.

Why sitting matters in the bigger milestone picture

Here’s the cool part: think of sitting as your baby’s launchpad, it’s the skill that gets them ready for all the exciting milestones ahead.

Marielle explains, “When babies sit, they have to learn how to balance all the muscles of their trunk, including the muscles in the front, back, and sides of the body. This is the beginning of babies learning to balance and will support them with static motor skills like walking and balancing on one foot in the future. Babies will also eventually learn how to transition in and out of positions, such as transitioning from sitting to all fours to crawl, to pulling up to stand on the couch.”

Translation? Once sitting clicks, crawling, standing, and those first adorable steps aren’t far behind.

A gentle reminder about comparisons

It’s so easy to compare your baby’s progress with your friend’s, your niece’s, or that baby you saw on Instagram who seems to be running marathons at 10 months. But here’s the truth: babies do things on their own timeline.

Marielle reassures parents, “There is a range of ages when babies fully learn to sit on their own. If you have concerns, focus on letting your baby spend time on the floor as much as possible to practice moving and strengthening their body to prepare to sit.”

So let’s promise each other, no milestone races, okay? Your baby is right on time.

Conclusion

So, when can babies sit up? Most will sit with support around 5–6 months and independently between 6–8 months, but it’s totally normal to be a little earlier or later. Look for signs like strong head control, rolling, and those tummy time push-ups, and support your little one with safe, playful practice.

And remember: every milestone, big or small, is worth celebrating. 

You may also like:

• How to choose the safest toys for your baby’s age and development
• Your baby’s brain development from birth to age one
• When do babies start crawling? Signs your little one is ready to move!

Sources: 

1. Advice from a comprehensive pediatric guide. American Academy of Pediatrics. 2019. “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child, 7th Edition: Birth to Age 5”. 
2. Natural infant walking experience. Psychological Science. 2012. “How Do You Learn to Walk? Thousands of Steps and Dozens of Falls per Day.