Babies spend a lot of time on their backs or tummies because they lack the muscle control to sit upright until they are about 7 months old, reports the March of Dimes. But the world is much more interesting from a seated position, so many parents want to assist their children in sitting before they have the muscle control to do it on their own. Sitting up can help help a baby strengthen muscles and work on balance. There are several different types of chairs available to help your baby sit up, but all of them require supervision. Don't leave an infant sitting up alone, especially if you've put the chair or bolster on a table or couch.
Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows, such as the Boppy pillow, are made from fabric and have an opening into which the baby can be placed in a seated position. They traditionally begin as nursing pillows but can grow with your baby until they can be used to assist him in sitting. These pillows are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Bouncy Seats and Swings
These types of chairs help your baby sit upright while still reclining enough so as not to strain muscles. Most bouncy seats and swings come with music or lights that will help your baby stay entertained while she is sitting upright. Make sure to use the included straps to keep her secured in the seat, especially if it includes motion.
High Chairs
High chairs traditionally are used when feeding a baby but can also be useful in giving your baby a different perspective on the world. The chairs are usually made of hard plastic or wood, covered with a cushiony fabric for safety. Some come with trays that can be detached, while others can be attached to a table. An infant may be able to lean his head back against the back of the chair, but as he grows, he'll need to have better head control to sit in this chair. High chairs are good options if you want your child to play with textures such as pudding or oatmeal since they can easily be cleaned.
Other Chairs
Chairs such as the Bumbo "Baby Sitter" chair, booster seats or travel high chairs can be used in the home to help teach your child to sit upright and are very portable. The Bumbo is popular because it doesn't require a child to be strapped in, is comfortable and offers good support for a baby; however, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has warned that this chair should not be placed on a table or any high surface since nearly 30 children suffered injuries when they fell from the chairs after arching their backs.
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