Supporting your child to sit

Why it matters

Sitting is a big step in a child’s development. It opens up opportunities to play, learn, communicate, and become more independent.

For some children, sitting independently isn’t possible, but being supported to sit should always be encouraged as early as possible. With the right support, your child can still experience the benefits of being upright and engaged with the world around them.

When a child is well supported in sitting, their hands are free to explore, play, and interact. This helps develop important physical, sensory, and communication skills, all while building confidence.

Why is sitting so important?

Being upright in a supported sitting position can help your child:

Engage and interact with family, friends, and their environment

Take part in play and learning activities

Build independence in daily activities

Stay comfortable for longer periods

What is a supportive seating system?

A supportive seating system is designed to help your child sit safely and comfortably, even if they need extra support to stay upright.

These systems can vary depending on your child’s needs. Some are simple cushions and supports, while others are fully adjustable seating systems that can grow with your child over time. Our seating and mobility solutions are designed to support full time wheelchair users and their carers through daily life with comfort, safety, and dignity.

Every child is different, so seating is usually tailored to:

Their posture and physical needs

Their age and stage of development

How they move in and out of the chair

The activities they’ll be doing

Comfort & Support Features

Our wheelchairs are designed with full-time users in mind, ensuring optimal comfort, posture, and ease of handling throughout the day.

Cushions

Specialised cushions improve comfort and provide pressure relief, essential for prolonged sitting and skin protection.

Backrests

Fully adjustable to provide customised postural support, tailored to meet individual clinical and functional needs.

Footrests

Supports the lower limbs, adjustable to accommodate different leg lengths or medical requirements.

Armrests

Enhance user comfort and enable frequent repositioning, helping with transfers and daily activity participation.

how seating supports posture and play

Supportive seating works by helping your child maintain a stable, comfortable position against gravity. Depending on the system, this might include:

Trunk and side supports to keep the body aligned

Pelvic positioning to prevent sliding

Adjustable tilt to reduce effort and improve comfort

Arm and leg supports to encourage better positioning and function

Top tips for getting the most from your child’s seating

Check positioning at the start of the day

Small changes in position can make a big difference. Make sure your child’s hips are positioned fully back in the seat, their feet are supported, and their trunk is well aligned before activities begin.

Use seating consistently

Regular use helps your child get the full benefit of their seating system. Try to use it during key daily activities such as meals, play, learning, or communication time.

Watch for changes over time

Children grow and their needs change. If you notice increased leaning, sliding, discomfort, or reduced tolerance, it may be time to review the seating setup.

Encourage active participation

Well-supported seating should make it easier for your child to use their hands, interact, and engage in activities. Position trays, toys, and devices within easy reach.

Check for comfort and skin tolerance

Look for signs of discomfort, pressure areas, or red marks after sitting. Comfortable seating helps your child stay engaged for longer periods.

keep in touch with your therapist or wheelchair service

If something doesn’t look right, small adjustments can often make a big difference. Early changes help maintain comfort, posture, and participation.

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