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Patient Questions  /  W-sitting in kids

Kids & Babies

Is W-Sitting Bad for Kids?

For most kids, no. W-sitting, where a child sits on the floor with their knees bent and feet out to each side, is common in young children and is usually comfortable for them because of how their hips are shaped. It's worth checking if it's the only way your child can sit, or if it comes with pain, stiffness or delays in other skills.

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Why kids sit this way

Young children's hips often turn inward more than adults' hips. That makes W-sitting feel easy and natural. It also gives a wide, steady base, so kids can play with their hands without working hard to balance.

There isn't good evidence that W-sitting by itself damages the hips or knees. Most children sit many different ways and slowly W-sit less as they grow.

When it may be a sign of something else

W-sitting can matter more when it is part of a bigger picture. For example:

  • Your child can't sit any other way, such as cross-legged or with legs out in front.
  • They seem to need the W position to stay upright because their trunk feels weak or floppy.
  • They are behind on other movement milestones, or fall much more than other kids.

What you can do

You don't need to ban W-sitting. Instead, help your child get used to lots of positions: cross-legged, side-sitting, kneeling, squatting, sitting on a small stool, or lying on their tummy to play. Variety helps build strength and flexibility.

When to see a doctor

See your child's pediatrician promptly if:

  • W-sitting is the only way your child can sit
  • Pain, limping or stiffness in the hips or knees
  • Delays in sitting, crawling, walking or other movement skills
  • Your child seems much weaker or floppier than other kids their age

How physical therapy at ARI can help

If your child has trouble sitting other ways or seems behind on movement skills, a physical therapist can check hip motion, strength and balance. Treatment uses play to build core and hip strength and new ways of sitting and moving. Parents are involved in visits, families get a home program, and we coordinate with your child's pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Pediatric physical therapy →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026