If You See Your Children Sit In This Position, Stop Them IMMEDIATELY

W-sitting is not recommended for anyone. Many typically developing children do move through this position during play, but all parents should be aware that this position can lead to future orthopedic problems.

Why does children W-sit? Every child has to to play and children who are challenged motorically like to play as much as anybody. They do not want to worry about keeping their balance when they are concentrating on a toy.

A child is “fixed” through the trunk when in the W-position. This allows for play with toys in front, but does not allow trunk rotation and lateral weight shifts (twisting and turning to reach the toys on either side). Trunk rotation and weight shifts over one side to allow a child to maintain balance while running outside or playing on the playground and are necessary for crossing the midline while writing and doing table top activities.

Who should not w-sit?

For many kids, this sitting position ought to be discouraged. W-sitting position is contraindicated (and could be detrimental) for a child if one of the following exists:

• There are orthopedic concerns. W-sitting can incline a child to hip dislocation, so if there is a history of hip dysplasia, or a worry has been raised in the past, this position ought to be avoided.
• If there is muscle tightness, W-sitting will aggravate it. This position puts the hamstrings, hip adductors, internal rotators and heel cords in an extremely shortened range. If a child is inclined to tightness or contractures, encourage another example of sitting.
• There are neurologic concerns/developmental delays. In the event that a child has increased muscle tone (hypertonia, spasticity), W-sitting will feed into the abnormal patterns of movement trying to be avoided (by direction of the child’s therapist). Utilizing other sitting positions will help in the development of more desirable movement patterns.

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