Should You Worry About “W” Sitting? A Parent’s Guide

As your baby and toddler engages in more sitting play, you may have noticed them position with their knees bent inward and feet splayed out to the sides, forming the shape of the letter “W.” W sitting is a common position for little ones—but it often leaves parents wondering: Is this okay? Should I correct it?

Let’s break it down.

What is “W” Sitting?

“W” sitting happens when a child sits on their bottom with their knees bent and legs rotated out, so their legs form a “W” shape. For young children, this position can feel stable and comfortable because it gives them a wide base of support, which makes it easier to sit upright without using much core strength.

Why Do Kids Sit This Way?

• Stability: It’s often easier for children with developing core muscles to balance in this position.

• Flexibility: Many toddlers have more hip rotation than adults, so it feels natural.

• Habit: Sometimes it simply becomes their “go-to” way to sit during play.

Is It Harmful?

Occasional “W” sitting is usually nothing to worry about. However, persistent “W” sitting can have some drawbacks:

• It may limit core and trunk muscle development, since the wide base doesn’t require as much balance.

• It can discourage kids from shifting weight side-to-side, an important skill for reaching and crossing midline.

• In some cases, it may put extra strain on hips, knees, and ankles—especially for children who already have orthopedic or muscle tone differences.

What You Can Do Instead

Encouraging variety is key. Rather than banning “W” sitting completely, gently guide your child toward different sitting positions to support healthy development:

• Criss-cross (“pretzel”) sitting

• Side sitting (legs bent to one side)

• Long sitting (legs straight in front)

• Short kneeling (sitting on knees with feet tucked under)

• Squatting

You can also build up core strength with activities like:

• Crawling games

• Playing on their tummy

• Sitting balance games

  
  

And for toddlers:

• Climbing on playground equipment

• Animal walks (bear walk, crab walk, frog jumps)

When to Seek Advice

If your child only “W” sits sometimes, it’s generally fine. But you may want to consult a pediatric physical therapist if you notice:

• Your child only sits in “W” position and struggles with other postures

• They frequently trip, appear clumsy, or have difficulty with balance

• They complain of pain in their hips, knees, or ankles

The Bottom Line

“W” sitting is common in toddlers and young children. While it isn’t automatically harmful, variety in movement and sitting positions is important for developing strong muscles, balance, and coordination. Think of it less as a “bad habit” to break and more as an opportunity to encourage your child to move in lots of different ways.

Parent tip: Next time you see your child in “W” sit, instead of saying “Don’t sit like that,” try offering:

• “Can you show me criss-cross legs?”

• “Let’s sit like superheroes with our legs out in front!”

That way, correction becomes playful—not stressful.