Some Mothers seem to think it is important to teach a baby to sit un- aided well before the baby has enough abitility to do so by themselves. The baby is sat on the floor with pillows surrounding the baby, so, if the baby falls to the side, the pillows with prevent any hurt by allowing a softer landing.
Supported sitting is by far safer initially as baby does not have the muscle strength to sit alone. For a baby to develope stronger muscle tone to self support a sitting posture, I always recommend to place a baby on their back and allow to turn to his/her sides more and roll over, more to reach for toys etc. This will help to develope a stronger abitlity to move and strengthen muscles to enable the baby to sit himself up when able. Most babies are able to sit themselves between 7 to 9 mths.
I have seen quite a number of babies who have been taught to sit to have not been able to move from the sitting position to crawling. They have learned to cry loudly, if they could not reach a toy and the parent has responded to the crying by giving the child what they wanted. A type of 'learned' helplessness.
I encourage all parents to allow a baby to progress at his/her pace. A baby will eventually sit them selves up as they progress. To enable these babies to do so, lie them down on their back/tummy, as comfortable, to roll and move as able, to help develope better motor skills. Try not to sit them too soon. A bit like crawling before walking.
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