Well, here we are with the final Tiny Tots Corner for 2025… and what a year it has been. We have received so many prize winning snaps of your little cherubs that, at times, we have been at a loss, going through them and trying to decide just who our monthly winners should be. We thank all those readers who entered their bundles of joy, for sharing those memorable moments with us and for allowing us to share them with our readership. So… moms and dads keep your cameras handy over the coming holiday break, because you never know when that winning look is going to happen! If you fancy your tiny tot as one of our winners of 2026, there are a few rules to keep in mind as set out in the blue “Competition Rules” box below. Looking forward to 2026 with our loyal Tiny Tots readers and receiving entries of the cutest little ones out there!
Competition Rules
- The Editor’s decision is final.
- This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area.
- Closing date: Friday, January 16, 2026.
- Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses…as well as contact numbers.
- All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date.
When do babies start to sit up?
5 to 6 months
Your baby will get used to sitting with support, and will probably be able to sit well in a high chair or baby floor seat. Make sure to use the seat belt to keep your baby secure. Also, once your baby can sit in a highchair and shows other signs of readiness, you can start giving them solid foods. Your baby will probably also learn to roll over from back to tummy, which takes more strength and coordination than flipping from tummy to back.
7 to 8 months
After sitting with support, your baby will figure out how to maintain their balance while seated by leaning forward on one or both hands in a tripod position. By 7 to 8 months old, they’ll probably be able to sit unsupported, which will free their hands for exploring. Soon they’ll learn how to pivot to grab a desired object while sitting.
9 months and older
At this point your baby will be able to sit well and will figure out how to get in and out of a sitting position. Don’t worry if your baby hasn’t mastered sitting by 6 months. There’s a wide range for developmental milestones.
How to help your baby sit up
Give them plenty of tummy time. Lifting their head and chest helps your baby strengthen their neck muscles and develop the head control necessary for sitting up. It is recommended that you start with 3 to 5 minutes of tummy time, 2 to 3 times a day and increasing – as your baby gets older and stronger – to 15 to 30 minutes per day every day.
- Encourage your baby to look up during tummy time. Use a bright toy that makes noise to prompt them to look up. (This is also a good way to make sure that your baby’s hearing and vision are on the right track.)
- Let your baby practice sitting up supported by pillows or leaning against you. Put them in your lap and let them lean back on you (or support them with your hands) when you’re sitting together. Or, you can prop your baby up with pillows. Some breastfeeding pillows work well for this purpose – just make sure to supervise.
- Once your baby is used to sitting supported, put toys and other intriguing objects within their reach to make sitting up even more fun. Play catch by rolling a ball to them while they’re sitting. These objects can provide a focus that can help them gain balance. As always, and especially when they’re just learning to sit, be sure to stay close to your baby in case they fall over. Have them practice sitting on a soft, carpeted floor or outside on a grassy spot with a picnic blanket.
What to do if your baby doesn’t sit up
If you suspect a problem with your baby’s development, it’s best to act early and get help, if needed, with any developmental delays. But keep in mind that babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others. “Don’t worry if your baby hasn’t mastered sitting by 6 months,” There’s a wide range for developmental milestones. Some babies may be slower in gross motor skills and more advanced in their communication or verbal skills.”
*To be continued in the next issue of Tiny Tots.
**If in any doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.