Sitting with support opens up a whole new world of play—and builds the core strength for sitting independently.
These activities develop trunk stability, hip flexibility, and the balance reactions your baby needs to sit unsupported and free both hands for play.
Sitting with support is transforming your baby's world. With their torso upright and both hands free, they can explore objects in entirely new ways. Rolling is confident in at least one direction, and some babies are beginning to pivot on their tummies to reach for distant toys.
Create a safe sitting space with pillows for support and interesting objects within reach. Let your baby practice — toppling over is part of learning balance. Their core is strengthening with every attempt, building toward independent sitting.
Supported sitting at five months frees both hands for manipulation, dramatically expanding your baby's ability to learn through hands-on exploration.
Your baby can transfer toys between hands now. Offer objects of different shapes and textures—this two-handed play builds brain connections.
Supported sitting opens up a whole new world. Prop your baby with pillows or sit them between your legs so they can play with both hands free.
Everything goes in the mouth, and that's fine—it's how babies learn about textures and shapes. Just make sure materials are safe and large enough.
Strengthen your baby's neck and trunk muscles by gently lifting them in an airplane hold during tummy time — a playful way to build core strength.
Lay out different textured surfaces in a path for your baby to crawl across — a sensory-rich adventure that builds motor planning and exploration.
Set up a furniture path with interesting toys at each stop to encourage your baby to cruise along — a natural bridge to independent walking.
Stack soft blocks in front of your sitting baby and let them knock the tower over — a satisfying game that practices sitting balance and reaching.
Position your baby on their side with a rolled towel for support and encourage reaching for toys — a great way to build rolling skills.
Play a gentle tug-of-war with silky scarves to build your baby's grip strength and upper body coordination — a fun two-way game.