The way children choose to sit can say a lot about their physical development, especially in the early steps and growth stages. A particularly common position among little ones is sitting with their legs in a W shape. This position, although it may seem harmless at first glance, has raised questions and concerns among parents and caregivers. Neus, a renowned children’s podiatrist with a specialization in children’s footwear, offers her professional perspective on this topic.
This position is characterized by the child sitting on the floor with his knees bent and his legs extended to the sides, forming a W shape with them. It is a posture commonly observed in young children and is attributed to natural conditions such as femoral anterversion (an inward inclination of the femur) and hypermobility, which allows them greater flexibility and comfort when adopting this way of sitting.
As Neus observes, concern arises when this habit persists beyond a certain age. Femoral anterversion and hypermobility are normal physiological conditions in children, which make it easier for them to adopt the W posture without discomfort. However, it is expected that with time and development children will gradually no longer find comfort in this position. Persistence may indicate that the natural correction of femoral anterversion is not occurring as it should, or that hypermobility is allowing the child to maintain this posture due to a lack of need for trunk control, which would be required if sitting upright. more conventional, as with the Indian posture.
Neus advises against immediately correcting children when they adopt the W pose, especially in the early stages. The key is, according to Neus, observation and patience. If the child continues to prefer this position as he or she grows, it could be indicative that the underlying conditions are not resolving naturally. In these cases, an intervention is recommended, always under the supervision of a professional. This correction not only seeks to prevent possible complications in the development of soft tissues, such as joint capsules and tendons, but also to promote better postural hygiene.
W posture is very common and usually harmless in young children. However, as parents and caregivers, it is important to be aware of how this preference evolves as the child grows. The key lies in a balance between not intervening prematurely and knowing when to seek professional guidance to guide children toward healthier sitting practices to ensure healthy development and avoid potential future complications.
