In which month can a baby sit without support?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

The ability to sit without support is a key gross motor milestone typically achieved around 8 months of age.
At this stage, the infant's back and trunk muscles are strong enough to maintain an upright posture without assistance.
This milestone follows the ability to sit with support (tripod sitting), which usually occurs around 6 months.
Achieving independent sitting frees the baby's hands to explore and manipulate objects, which is crucial for fine motor and cognitive development.

Option A: By 10 months, an infant's gross motor skills are more advanced. They are typically able to pull themselves up to a standing position and may start 'cruising' or walking while holding onto furniture.
Option B: At 12 months, most infants are progressing towards walking. They can usually stand independently and may be taking their first steps with or without support.
Option D: At 6 months, an infant is just beginning to learn to sit. They can typically sit for brief periods but require the support of their own hands placed in front of them (a 'tripod' position) or pillows.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Infant Gross Motor Development Milestones as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use developmental milestones to assess a child's growth and identify potential delays. A significant lag in achieving milestones like sitting without support can be an early indicator of neurological or developmental issues.
Anticipatory guidance is a key nursing role. Nurses educate parents on what milestones to expect next, which helps them create a safe and stimulating environment for the child.
As infants become more mobile, their risk for injury increases. When a baby starts sitting and crawling, nurses must counsel parents on childproofing the home (e.g., covering electrical outlets, securing furniture).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the specific skill being asked about: 'sit without support'.
Next, recall the typical sequence of gross motor development in the first year: head control -> rolling over -> sitting with support -> sitting without support -> crawling/creeping -> pulling to stand -> cruising -> walking.
Place 'sitting without support' within this timeline. It comes after sitting with support (around 6 months) and before pulling to stand (around 9-10 months).
Evaluate the options based on this sequence.
Eliminate 6 months, as this is the age for sitting with support.
Eliminate 10 and 12 months, as these are associated with more advanced skills like pulling to stand and walking.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) pp. 24-26, 25-27

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.