Can a five-month-old baby sit up?

Apr 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My baby is just five months old and has recently been trying hard to sit up. I'm a bit worried—can babies this age sit up already? Could it have any negative effects on his bone development?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng

In general, a five-month-old baby may be able to sit up, but prolonged sitting is not recommended.

At this stage, the baby's spine and neck muscles are strengthening to support the head and upper body. If the baby can maintain a sitting position with slight assistance or shows interest in a supported sitting posture, this is a normal developmental sign. However, if the baby appears very unstable or shows obvious discomfort when attempting to sit, it may be necessary to wait a little longer for further physical development.

A five-month-old baby can sit semi-upright briefly with parental assistance, such as leaning against the parent or sitting in an infant seat with good support. Each sitting session should not last long—just a few minutes—to help gradually strengthen the腰部 muscles and prepare for independent sitting later on. Additionally, encouraging more tummy time and rolling over can promote overall muscle and skeletal development.

Every baby develops at his or her own pace. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician or a child development specialist.