What Is W-Sitting, and Why Should Parents Be Concerned?

As an occupational therapist, one of the most common postural habits I get asked about is W-sitting. You’ve likely seen it: a child sitting on the floor with their knees bent, legs splayed out to the sides in a "W" shape. While it might seem harmless, long-term W-sitting can have significant implications for your child’s development.

What’s the problem with W-sitting?

Although many children naturally fall into this position during play, especially toddlers and those with low muscle tone, W-sitting bypasses the core muscle activation needed for balance, trunk rotation, and midline crossing. In this position, the body is overly stable—too stable—so it doesn’t need to work on developing strength, coordination, or dynamic balance.

Potential concerns include:

• Delayed development of core strength and postural control
• Limited trunk rotation and midline crossing (important for reading, writing, and sports)
• Increased risk of hip dislocation in children with joint laxity
• Promotion of muscle tightness in the hips and legs
• Poor development of bilateral coordination and hand dominance
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Who’s most at risk?

Children with low muscle tone, hypermobility, developmental delays, or sensory processing challenges are more likely to W-sit, and may also be more vulnerable to its negative effects.

Should I panic if my child W-sits sometimes?

No! Brief W-sitting here and there is not usually a cause for concern. What we look for is prolonged, frequent, or habitual W-sitting. If your child never chooses alternative sitting positions or has difficulty moving in and out of other postures, it’s worth addressing.