Any other "W" sitters?

My PED observed Aidan sitting like a "W" - when they are on their knees with the legs out to the sides.

She said to discourage this type of sitting because it puts a strain on the hips and to pull at least one leg forward or to an indian style sitting (or criss cross applesauce in PC environs).

Well he keeps putting the legs back under him he prefers to sit like this even in the bathtub.

Anyone else hear about this?

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

I always sat like this growing up and see kids in the schools I have worked in (particularly the little-r kids!) do this too....

it kinda makes sense though!

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

My friend's pediatrican told her that it was causing her daughter to walk pidgeon toed. I noticed the same thing with Maddie. She's not allowed to sit that way ever. She has to sit Indian-style or on her tush at all times. I've noticed that she doesn't seem as pidgeon toed as before. Meanwhile, my friend ignores the pediatrician's advice - and her daughter walks worse than ever.

At least she gave me the advice

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

I am an occupational therapist---and it is really bad to let your childeren sit like this---it puts alot of strain on the hip and knee joints, affects their hamstrings, and like someone mentioned affects their gate (walking pattern). It also can indicate weakness in the trunk and if you allow your child to continue to sit like that the weakness in the trunk will continue---sitting with legs indian style or in front of you helps build trunk strength.

I really hope no one is offended by this. I just thought I would just help further explain why a doctor would discourage this type of sitting pattern.

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

WP - we need more experts like you responding to posts!! THank you!

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

Yes! My daughter has 2 things "wrong" with her legs as a result of her position in the womb and the pediatric orthopedist said it will eventually clear up by itself. The only thing we were told to proactively do is stop her from sitting in the W position. She has something called femoral anteversion, which is basically that her femur bones are curved so sitting like a W comes naturally for her. We are constantly changing her sitting postion. Sometimes I will even have her play with a toy at the table instead of on the floor since I notice she sits like a W alot when shes trying to get in close to a toy. Until you can show them how to sit like a pretzel (Indian style), thats the best thing I've found.

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

My sister sat this way almost all the time when she was little. She doesn't have any problems at all with her feet, legs, hips, etc. But this info is good to know, I wont let my daughter sit this way.

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

I am more than happy to offer up any information that will help anyone.

I just didnt want anyone to think i was trying to be a know it all espeically since I dont have any children of my own yet!

I also wanted to add that some children do sit like this and have no negative affects to their legs/body at all as well. ----Just like MrsJ stated about her sister!

Re: Any other "W" sitters?

Thank you WP!

I have to really stay on top of him to not do this, its such an automatic thing for him though.

DH Aunt also noticed Aidan sitting like that casually said how her daughter sat like that too as a baby but never mentioned any adverse affects, however DH confirmed that she walked horribly as a child, very pigeon toed I bet that may have contributed to the cause!