If you have a toddler or young child, you’ve probably seen it: they’re on the floor playing, sitting on their bottom with their knees bent and their legs splayed out to each side, forming a “W” shape. This is W-sitting, and it’s one of the most debated topics among parents, with online sources offering conflicting advice ranging from “it’s perfectly normal” to “it will cause long-term damage.”  

So, what’s the real story? Is W-sitting a harmless phase or a habit you need to correct immediately? The truth, as with most things in child development, is nuanced. While occasional W-sitting is a normal part of development for many children, relying on it as a primary, long-term position can hinder the development of important motor skills. This guide will provide a balanced, evidence-based perspective to help you understand why your child W-sits and when it’s a good idea to gently encourage other positions.  

Why Do Children W-Sit?

For adults, the W-sitting position looks incredibly uncomfortable, but for many young children, it’s the opposite. There are a few key reasons why they find it so natural:

• It’s Stable: The wide base of support created by the “W” shape provides a lot of stability. This means a child doesn’t have to use their core muscles as much to stay upright, freeing up their hands and attention for playing with toys.  
• It’s Comfortable for Them: Young children have more internal hip rotation than adults, which can make this position feel natural and comfortable.  

For most children, W-sitting is simply a transitional position they move in and out of during play. If your child uses a variety of sitting positions—crisscross, legs out front, side-sitting—then occasional W-sitting is likely not a cause for concern.  

The Potential Risks of Habitual W-Sitting

The concerns arise when W-sitting becomes a child’s only or preferred way to sit for long periods. When a child relies exclusively on this position, they miss out on opportunities to develop crucial skills.  

• Decreased Core Strength: Because W-sitting is so stable, the trunk and core muscles don’t have to work to maintain balance. Over time, this can lead to weaker core muscles, which are the foundation for almost all other gross motor skills.  
• Muscle Tightness: Habitual W-sitting can lead to the shortening and tightening of muscles in the hips, legs, and ankles, including the hamstrings and hip rotators. This tightness can affect their gait and may contribute to a “pigeon-toed” or in-toeing walking pattern.  
• Limited Bilateral Coordination: The “locked-in” nature of the W-sit makes it difficult for a child to rotate their trunk and reach across the middle of their body (crossing the midline). Crossing the midline is a critical skill for developing hand dominance and for tasks like writing, cutting with scissors, and even tying shoes.  

It’s important to note that while some sources express concern about hip dislocation, recent research suggests that W-sitting does not cause hip dysplasia. However, if a child has a pre-existing hip condition, this position should be avoided.  

How to Encourage Healthier Sitting Habits

If you’ve noticed your child W-sits frequently, the goal is not to scold or force them out of it, but to gently and consistently encourage alternatives.

1. Use a Simple Verbal Cue: Choose a simple, positive phrase that you can use consistently, like “Fix your legs” or “Let’s sit criss-cross.”.  
2. Model and Offer Alternatives: Show your child other ways to sit on the floor and make them part of your playtime routine. Great options include:
   • Criss-Cross Sitting: Also known as “pretzel sitting” or “criss-cross applesauce.” This position encourages hip flexibility and core engagement.  
   • Long Sitting: Sitting with legs straight out in front. This provides a great stretch for the hamstrings.  
   • Side Sitting: Sitting with both knees bent and pointing to the same side. This is excellent for trunk rotation and core strength. Be sure to encourage sitting on both the right and left sides.  
3. Provide Other Seating Options: Sometimes the easiest solution is to change the environment. Using a small stool, cube chair, or beanbag for floor-level activities naturally prevents W-sitting and encourages good posture.  

Building Strength and Flexibility Through Play

You can also incorporate activities into your day that naturally build the skills needed to sit in more challenging positions.

• Core-Strengthening Games: Activities like animal walks (bear crawls, crab walks), wheelbarrow walking, and playing “Superman” (lying on the tummy and lifting arms and legs) are fun ways to build trunk strength.  
• Stretching Activities: Try a “butterfly stretch” by sitting with the soles of the feet together to stretch the hips, or play tug-of-war in a long-sitting position to stretch the hamstrings.  

When to Talk to an Expert

W-sitting is a common habit that most children outgrow. However, if you have concerns, it’s always best to trust your instincts. Talk to your child’s pediatrician or a physical or occupational therapist if you notice that your child:

• Almost exclusively sits in a W-position and seems unable or unwilling to use other positions.  
• Walks with a significant in-toeing or “pigeon-toed” gait.  
• Seems clumsy, has poor balance, or is delayed in other gross motor skills like running and jumping.  
• Complains of hip or leg pain.  

A therapist can assess your child’s muscle strength, flexibility, and overall development and provide a personalized plan to help them build the skills they need to move with confidence.