When Do Babies Start Holding Their Head Up?
Discover how your baby learns to lift and hold their head up—a significant milestone on their journey to sitting up and walking.
When Can Babies Hold Their Head Up?
Babies typically develop the ability to hold their head up by around 6 months. This gradual process involves strengthening their neck muscles and refining their motor skills.
Newborn Stage: At birth, newborns lack the motor skills and neck strength to control their head. During the initial months, it is crucial to support their head and neck whenever you lift, hold, or carry them.
1 to 2 Months: By the end of the first month, many babies can briefly lift their head and turn it from side to side while lying on their tummy. By 6 to 8 weeks, some babies may start raising their head while lying on their back.
3 to 4 Months: Significant improvement in head control occurs during this period. Babies can lift their head to a 45-degree angle and may even perform a “mini pushup” by holding their head and chest up using their arms.
5 to 6 Months: By 6 months, most babies can hold their head steady and upright. At this stage, they can sit up with minimal support and are ready for activities like sitting in a highchair or a jogging stroller.
Also read: Understanding Baby Colic: Symptoms, Duration, And Soothing Techniques
How to Help Your Baby Learn Head Control
“Tummy time” is crucial for developing head control. While your baby should sleep on their back, they need ample tummy time during their waking hours to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
Tips for Effective Tummy Time:
- Start Early: Begin tummy time soon after bringing your baby home.
- Keep It Short: Start with short sessions of 1-2 minutes and gradually increase to 3-5 minutes.
- Engage Your Baby: Use toys, rattles, and books to encourage your baby to lift their head and look around.
- Provide Support: From 3 to 6 months, prop your baby in a sitting position with plenty of support.
What If Your Baby Struggles with Head Control?
If your baby struggles to lift their head by 3 months, discuss it with your pediatrician. Remember, babies develop at different rates, and premature infants may reach milestones later than full-term babies.
What’s Next After Head Control?
Once your baby masters head control, they can progress to sitting up, rolling over, and crawling. This development also supports other activities like eating solid foods and engaging with their environment by turning their head towards sounds or visual stimuli.
By understanding these milestones and supporting your baby through each stage, you can help them develop the skills they need for future movement and exploration.
Also read: Will My Breastfed Baby Get Gas If I Eat Certain Foods?
