How do you get your baby to sit up?
SANDRA Atim did not know whether to help her three-month-old child sit up or let nature take its course. Her friends advised her to start immediately, while others said she waits until the baby turns six months.
By Agnes Kyotalengerire
SANDRA Atim did not know whether to help her three-month-old child sit up or let nature take its course. Her friends advised her to start immediately, while others said she waits until the baby turns six months.
Just like Atim, hundreds of mothers, especially first-timers do not know when to start supporting their babies to sit up.
According to Dr. Vicky Nakibuka, a paediatrician at Nsambya Hospital, though watching a baby sit up for the first time is exciting, it should be done with care.
Before a baby is supported to sit, Nakibuka encourages caretakers to ensure that the baby has developed sufficient strength in the neck, shoulders and trunk so that it can control its head and keep its torso steadily upright.
“The baby has to learn how to balance so that it does not topple over every time it tries to pick up something or twist around to see what is behind.â€
According to Dr. Jamiir Mugalu, a consultant neo-natologist and head of Special Care Unit Mulago Hospital, girls, when supported, learn to sit up as early as three-and-a-half or four months while boys take as long as four months-and-a-half. Girls tend to mature faster than boys.
“Between four and six months, the baby sits unsupported although this depends on how steady it can hold its head up and the weight,†explains Mugalu, adding that babies born weighing above three kilogrammes will sit on time while those born underweight or with health complications take much longer.
Complications
Mugalu says when a baby is made to sit up early, it strains the back and causes the passing out of green stool due to incomplete digestion. Besides, it is associated with increased flow back of foods through the mouth.
Though mothers complain of their babies developing diarrhoea when they start sitting, Mugalu says sitting does not cause diarrhoea.
He affirms that it is the associated behaviour, for example a baby putting toys in the mouth that sparks off an infection, resulting in diarrhoea.
In addition, Mugalu says when a baby bends forward while trying to sit, pressure is exerted on the stomach.
The pressure opens the developing anal sphincter causing the baby to pass stool frequently. He also notes that often, when babies start sitting, mothers are tempted to wean them. Introducing foods early causes the baby’s stomach to react.
Helping the baby sit up
Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, a paediatrician at Mulago Hospital, says introducing support in the baby’s daily routine helps the baby progress and achieve the sitting milestone.
Kitaka advises that the best technique to use is the propping up. “You can place the baby in a sitting position and surround it with clothes or pillows to create a nest-like space for it to sit while resting the back against the pillows,†she notes.
“Propping comes with an added advantage. Though the baby may not be strong enough to sit on its own, the pillows provide all the support it needs.
Besides, since the pillows are soft, they mold to the baby’s rounded back shape. Even when the baby falls, it does not hurt and when tired, it leans backwards or on the side to rest,†she notes.
Though mothers find it easier to prop their babies in cradles, prams and chairs, Kitaka warns against using the equipment as substitutes to baby sit. In addition, she encourages safely strapping the baby to avoid slipping and falling.
Pamela Namusoke, a mother of two, says she has had to teach her five-month-old son the act of sitting up on his own by placing him in a basin supported with clothes.
Nakibuka observes that propping the baby provides support, at the same time strengthening the baby’s muscles. However, she cautions that whichever method you choose, the baby should never be left unattended.
“Always monitor the baby to ensure it does not hurt itself, fall or get buried under the supporting pillowsâ€.
SANDRA Atim did not know whether to help her three-month-old child sit up or let nature take its course. Her friends advised her to start immediately, while others said she waits until the baby turns six months.
Just like Atim, hundreds of mothers, especially first-timers do not know when to start supporting their babies to sit up.
According to Dr. Vicky Nakibuka, a paediatrician at Nsambya Hospital, though watching a baby sit up for the first time is exciting, it should be done with care.
Before a baby is supported to sit, Nakibuka encourages caretakers to ensure that the baby has developed sufficient strength in the neck, shoulders and trunk so that it can control its head and keep its torso steadily upright.
“The baby has to learn how to balance so that it does not topple over every time it tries to pick up something or twist around to see what is behind.â€
According to Dr. Jamiir Mugalu, a consultant neo-natologist and head of Special Care Unit Mulago Hospital, girls, when supported, learn to sit up as early as three-and-a-half or four months while boys take as long as four months-and-a-half. Girls tend to mature faster than boys.
“Between four and six months, the baby sits unsupported although this depends on how steady it can hold its head up and the weight,†explains Mugalu, adding that babies born weighing above three kilogrammes will sit on time while those born underweight or with health complications take much longer.
Complications
Mugalu says when a baby is made to sit up early, it strains the back and causes the passing out of green stool due to incomplete digestion. Besides, it is associated with increased flow back of foods through the mouth.
Though mothers complain of their babies developing diarrhoea when they start sitting, Mugalu says sitting does not cause diarrhoea.
He affirms that it is the associated behaviour, for example a baby putting toys in the mouth that sparks off an infection, resulting in diarrhoea.
In addition, Mugalu says when a baby bends forward while trying to sit, pressure is exerted on the stomach.
The pressure opens the developing anal sphincter causing the baby to pass stool frequently. He also notes that often, when babies start sitting, mothers are tempted to wean them. Introducing foods early causes the baby’s stomach to react.
Helping the baby sit up
Dr. Sabrina Kitaka, a paediatrician at Mulago Hospital, says introducing support in the baby’s daily routine helps the baby progress and achieve the sitting milestone.
Kitaka advises that the best technique to use is the propping up. “You can place the baby in a sitting position and surround it with clothes or pillows to create a nest-like space for it to sit while resting the back against the pillows,†she notes.
“Propping comes with an added advantage. Though the baby may not be strong enough to sit on its own, the pillows provide all the support it needs.
Besides, since the pillows are soft, they mold to the baby’s rounded back shape. Even when the baby falls, it does not hurt and when tired, it leans backwards or on the side to rest,†she notes.
Though mothers find it easier to prop their babies in cradles, prams and chairs, Kitaka warns against using the equipment as substitutes to baby sit. In addition, she encourages safely strapping the baby to avoid slipping and falling.
Pamela Namusoke, a mother of two, says she has had to teach her five-month-old son the act of sitting up on his own by placing him in a basin supported with clothes.
Nakibuka observes that propping the baby provides support, at the same time strengthening the baby’s muscles. However, she cautions that whichever method you choose, the baby should never be left unattended.
“Always monitor the baby to ensure it does not hurt itself, fall or get buried under the supporting pillowsâ€.