1. W Sitting a Crash Course in Recognition and Care.
Lindsey Cienega RN/BSN and JR Cienega OT/RL

2. What does W sitting look like?
Bottom on the floor
Legs splayed out to the sides from the knees.
This forms a W shape from the legs to the knees when viewed from above the child.

3. When does W sitting Start?
Babies
Toddlers
Babies learning how to move from laying to sitting will transition in and out of W sitting. This is OK if it is not the primary sitting choice.
During long periods playing and concentration on an activity. The child doesn’t have to think much about body position. This is less distraction from their playing.

4. Why is W sitting so Bad?
To much pressure is placed on the knees, hips and ankle joints.
Poor Posture
Tight Hamstrings
Shortened Heel Cords
Knocked Knees/Pigeon Toes.
(Photos on following page)
The child has decreased turning of the body, because of the wide sitting base. The child can’t cross the center of his body (midline). The child does not twist right and left. This can lead to:
Delayed hand dominance, delayed writing skills, delayed muscle response (catching self when falling)

5. Shortened Heel Cords
Poor Posture