SITTING AS TRANSITION

ROCHEL LEARNS THE “Z”-SIT POSITION

Rochel has been rolling and sitting for quite awhile now.  When placed in the sitting position she sits like a queen with such beautiful posture!  A few weeks ago, we created a post with photos of Rochel showing her outstanding alignment in the sitting position.  What was the next skill for her to learn?  The ability to transition herself from lying to sitting, and the reverse, from sitting to lying, is the next essential motor milestone for Rochel.  The key ingredient in this skill development is the side-sitting position.

We previously examined the four different arrangements of the legs in the sitting position.  When sitting with the legs crossed, the body is stabilized allowing better use of the arms.  In the side-sit position, also known as the “Z”-sit because the legs make the shape of a letter “Z,” she is mobilized.  This is because she is more capable of shifting her weight forward toward the ground.  Baby is able to shift her weight far enough forward so she can bring her arm, elbow, and torso down onto the ground.  From this position she simply rolls onto her back!  She moves from a stable crossed-leg position through the “Z”-sit to come down onto her back.  She can also reverse herself by rolling until she comes onto her side, then she moves one leg backward as she pushes herself up to sit in the “Z.”  Now her arms are free again! It is also an easy position to pass through as she is turning to see what is happening on one side of her.  It is a quick and efficient position to use to get where she wants to go.

Through showing Rochel how to sit in the crossed-leg and butterfly positions, it was easier to introduce the “Z”-sit.  By first working with the positions of the legs that were easier for her, we could then introduce the more challenging position.  In less than a week Rochel was side-sitting often!  By one week after her lesson she figured out how to use the side-sit to roll onto her back. With the mastery of this skill Rochel is more independent and confident that she can go where she wants!