Walk into any preschool or playgroup, and you will likely see at least one child sitting on the floor with their bottom between their heels, knees bent, and legs splayed out to the side. The legs form the shape of the letter “W”.

For many kids, this position feels natural and comfortable. However, pediatric therapists often gently correct this posture. Is “W-sitting” really that bad? The short answer is: occasional W-sitting is fine, but habitual W-sitting can lead to long-term developmental issues.

Why Do Kids W-Sit?

Children don’t W-sit to be naughty; they do it because it is stable. When a child sits in a W-position, they create a very wide base of support. This locks their hips and trunk in place. As a result, they don’t have to use their core muscles (stomach and back) to stay upright. For a child with low muscle tone or a weak core, W-sitting is a clever “hack” to keep their body steady while they focus on playing with a toy.

The Risks of Chronic W-Sitting

If a child sits this way for hours a day, it can create a domino effect of orthopedic and developmental problems:

1. Limited Trunk Rotation: Try sitting in a W-position (if you can) and try to twist your body to reach something behind you. It is very difficult. Children need to rotate their trunks to develop “crossing the midline” skills (essential for writing). W-sitting locks the upper body, limiting this range of motion.
2. Hip Dislocation Risk: W-sitting puts significant internal rotation pressure on the hips. In extreme cases, or for children with pre-existing hip issues, this can lead to hip dysplasia or dislocation.
3. “Pigeon-Toed” Walking: Because the thigh muscles become tight from being internally rotated, the child’s feet may turn inward when they stand and walk. This can affect their gait and balance when running.
4. Weak Core Persists: Because the position does the work for them, the core muscles don’t get the exercise they need. This creates a cycle: they W-sit because their core is weak, and their core stays weak because they W-sit.

When to Worry (and When Not To)

If your child moves in and out of a W-sit while transitioning from crawling to sitting, that is normal. You should intervene if:

• They sit this way for long periods.
• They cannot sit alone in any other position (like cross-legged).
• They seem to limp or run awkwardly.

How to Correct It Gently

Constant nagging (“Don’t sit like that!”) can be frustrating for both of you. Instead, try these positive strategies:

• Use Code Words: Instead of saying “No,” say “Fix your legs, please” or “Criss-Cross Applesauce.” Keep it light and cheerful.
• Change the Environment: Encourage sitting on a small stool or a beanbag chair. These positions force the feet to be flat on the floor or the legs to be in front.
• Build the Core: The best way to stop W-sitting is to make the core strong enough that they don’t need the extra stability.
  • Wheelbarrow walking: Hold their feet while they walk on hands.
  • Swimming: Great for overall tone.
  • Climbing: Visiting a play gym like Little Land encourages climbing, which naturally engages the core muscles.

W-sitting is a habit that can be broken. By encouraging alternative sitting positions, like “long sitting” (legs straight out) or “tailor sitting” (criss-cross), you are protecting your child’s hips and building the foundation for a strong, athletic body.