Toddler sits in the "W" position

[PamelaBee]

My son is 3yrs old, and for as long as I can remember he sits in the W position while he plays, or is in circle time.  I never thought anything of it, until an occupational therapist mentioned that it is very bad for their hip and knee joints.  She said it was also a sensory issue.  I researched on the internet, and the consensus is mixed.   Half agree that it's harmful, others say it is simply easier for them to balance themselves that way while sitting.  Now that it's been brought to my attention, I tell him to sit differently, but he always goes back in the W position.  Has anyone experienced this???

[PamelaBee]

Thank you for your response, very helpful!  I have heard it can effect the sprouting athlete, in speed, coordination...I read to get him moving, also swimming and aquatic therapy was suggested.  I know he has poor muscle tone...my husband and I have always described him as a "bookworm" kid moreso than a get dirty in the mud with a truck type...When I see him in the W position, I immediately tell him to sit differently, or I'll pull out one leg, or both.  I'm really hoping he will gow out f it, but who knows? Would you happen to know of any other forms of therapy/exercises I can do at home?

[paxista]

Sure have. Your mileage may vary, but here's my story.
I had issues with that when I was his age. He always goes back to the W because it is certainly more comfortable. My parents had me see a specialist and I worked on it for a long time. I hated the therapy. After all these years I think it did help. I have problems with my arches and the evidence says that my feet would only be worse without that therapy way back when.
Next, my oldest son did that a bit, but he can easily switch between the W and crossed legs.
Finally, my 2nd son (aka Scoot) has tibial torsion (the tibia is twisted) so he walks on the insole. We got it checked when he was 5. The general practitioner and the specialist said don't worry about it. Well, I was worried about and the specialist saw that, so to placate me he said put the boy in sports, like soccer. He was already in karate which does a heckofalot more stretching and posture work than soccer.
Scoot has anxiety and anger management issues, so we let him quit karate about the time he went into play therapy.There are only so many problems we can deal with at a time. It's four years later: he plays soccer in the fall and baseball in the spring. He has his emotions basically under control, but the torsion is still bad. He does well with sports, but he could run faster if he weren't fighting the torsion. He prefers defense in soccer, partly because of the physical issue, and partly because of his Guardian personality.
My expert opinion - if there is an underlying defect and he wants to be active in later life, therapy is needed. Problems in the feet, knees, and/or hips can cause back problems later, and that really bites. If it is preferential only, it's not a big deal.