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8 month not able to sit independently
Hello, My daughter was born at 37 weeks. Her corrected age is 7 months 4 weeks old. While she can sit with support, she isn't able to sit independently yet. She tries to sit but slumps forward after some time. Is this milestone fine as per her age or do we need to consult a developmental pead? Please help us. Thank you.
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Answers (3)

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Hello, I understand your concern Independent sitting usually develops between 6 to 9 months. At 8 months, it is still within normal if the baby: Has good head control Can roll over both sides Tries to lean forward with support Is engaging socially and vocalizing
Next Steps
Tummy time – strengthens back and neck muscles. Floor play – encourage play on a soft mat with toys around. Minimal use of walkers or baby chairs – they delay natural muscle development. Sit-and-support games – support her gently at the hips while she balances. Encourage reaching for toys from a sitting position.
Health Tips
Red flags: Not sitting independently by 9 months No head control or floppy limbs Not rolling or using limbs equally Lack of social smile or interaction
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Based on the information provided, your daughter was born at 37 weeks and her corrected age is currently 7 months and 4 weeks. At this age, many infants are just beginning to achieve milestones such as sitting independently. It is not uncommon for babies, especially those born a little early, to require some extra time to develop strong trunk control for independent sitting. Most babies can sit with minimal or no support between 6 to 8 months corrected age, but some may take a bit longer, particularly if they were born preterm. Your daughter’s ability to sit with support and attempt to sit by herself suggests she is making progress, even if she cannot yet remain upright without slumping forward. This gradual development is typically within the normal range for her corrected age. My opinion: From a pediatric point of view, your daughter’s development seems appropriate for her corrected age, especially given her prematurity. Close observation and encouragement of her efforts are important. However, it’s always best to share any concerns directly with your pediatrician to ensure comprehensive developmental monitoring. If she is not making additional progress in trunk control or does not develop independent sitting over the next 1-2 months, a formal developmental evaluation may be warranted.
Next Steps
Continue to give your child daily opportunities for tummy time and safe, supported sitting to strengthen her core muscles. Monitor her progress and note any new skills or concerns. Schedule a visit with your pediatrician to review her overall development; bring up your observations and questions. If you notice other delays (such as poor head control, inability to use both hands equally, or lack of interest in surroundings), or if she is not improving by 9 months corrected age, ask for a referral to a developmental pediatrician for a more thorough assessment.
Health Tips
Encourage independent movement by placing toys just out of reach to motivate her to sit up and reach. Always supervise her during sitting practice to ensure safety and prevent falls. Remember that each child develops at their own pace, especially after a preterm birth, but trust your instincts—early assessment is best if you remain concerned. Early intervention services can make a big difference if any developmental delays are identified
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The upper limit of age if attainment of sitting without support I 10 months. We can wait now . I wanted to know about other milestones also: In social domain : is stranger anxiety present ? In language domain: is baby able to speak monosyllables like ba, da, pa, or ah-goo sound? Fine motor domain : is your baby able to reach out for objects with one hand or able to transfer objects from one hand to another?
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.