When Can Babies Hold Their Heads Up?

Babies develop rapidly in their first few months of life, and one of the earliest milestones they reach is the ability to hold their heads up. This seemingly simple skill marks a significant step in a baby’s physical development, as it lays the foundation for future motor skills such as sitting, crawling, and walking. A common question among parents is, When should an infant hold their head up? Typically, baby holds their heads up around two to three months old as their neck muscles gradually strengthen, allowing them to lift and support their heads while lying on their tummies or being held upright.

Read on to learn more about the stages of newborn head control development and how you can help your baby through this exciting phase.

When Can a Baby Hold His Head Up Without Support?

Your baby can lift his head at about a month and hold it up when seated at around four months of age. When your baby turns six months old, his neck muscles will develop well enough to hold his head up. He can also turn his head from side to side at this point (1).

Why Is Head Control So Important in Infants?

Head control is a crucial step towards further developing movements and other milestones like sitting up, standing and even walking. Infant head control is also a sign that your baby is developing well. Holding the head up can also aid in developing vision in babies (4).

How Will Your Baby Establish Head Control?

Babies develop head control over some time very gradually as their muscles grow.

1. One to Two Months

At this age, your baby may be able to hold his head up when placed on his tummy. He may even be able to turn his head from side to side. Around the sixth to the eighth week, it may be possible for him to raise his head when he is lying on his back. Although he can try to hold his head up while you hold him on your shoulder, it may still be shaky.

2. Three to Four Months

Head control will significantly develop around this age. Your baby will be able to raise his head to a 45-degree angle as he lies on his tummy and even hold it still for a while. You may want to engage him in certain games or exercises to help him improve his head control (6).

3. Five to Six Months

At this point, your baby’s neck muscles are well-developed, and he can hold his head up without much trouble. He may even tilt his head forward as you place him in a sitting position. He will also begin to have steadier control of his head as he looks around.

What Will Your Baby Do Next After Holding His Head Up?

After your baby learns to hold his head up, you will notice that he will move on to support more complex movements like

• Sitting up
• Rolling over
• Crawling
• Pulling up to stand
• Walking

Your baby must learn how to hold his head up before you start him on solid foods, as you will be seating him in a high chair.

Helping Your Baby to Hold His Head Up

You will likely not have to worry about your baby’s head control, which develops naturally over time. However, since your baby does not develop neck muscles at birth until he develops head control, it is very important to support his head and neck properly when you are holding him up.

While there isn’t a lot that you can do to expedite the process, you can engage him in a few games and exercises that will help him along the way. Here are a few baby head control exercises and activities in which you can involve your baby.

1. Give Him Plenty of Tummy Time

When your baby is awake, lay him on his tummy and place toys that he loves playing with in front of him. Tummy time can be crucial in developing your baby’s mobility. It helps strengthen your baby’s arms, legs, torso, and neck muscles. Ensure your baby is safe and comfortable while on his tummy (5).

2. Work on Some Simple Sitting-Up Exercises

Once your baby is about three months old, place him on a sofa or bed. Ensure that you provide proper head and neck support during the process. Never leave your baby unattended on the sofa or place him on the edge, as he may topple over.

3. Allow Him to Observe

Make your baby sit on your lap and have him rest his back against you as he watches the world go by.

4. Engage Him in Little Games

Once your baby is around four or five months old, you can also engage in little games. Place him on his back and gently pull him up with his arms as you make silly faces at him to make it more exciting.

5. Provide Praise Continuously

Ensure you continue to encourage and support your baby every step of the way through verbal and smile.

What Is a Head Lag in Babies?

Although rare, head lag occurs in babies when their neck muscles are very weak and cannot support the head. This may happen due to various reasons, such as cerebral injury, preterm birth, or low birth weight.

If your baby is over four months old and hasn’t been able to hold his head up, you can reach out to a paediatrician and have a check-up to verify if your baby’s neck muscles are developing as they should (2).

Precautions to Take Until Your Baby Hold Her Head Up

When your baby is still learning to hold her head up, it’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure her safety and comfort. Here are some basic tips:

• Support the Head and Neck: Always support your baby’s head and neck when lifting, carrying, or laying them down by sliding one hand under their shoulder blades and the other under their bottom.
• Proper Burping Technique: Keep a loose hand on your baby’s neck and head while burping to prevent wobbling.
• Use Infant Car Seats Correctly: Ensure that your baby’s car seat is reclined at the proper angle (usually around 45 degrees) so that her head does not flop forward, which can obstruct her airway.
• Avoid Neck Support Pillows: Do not use additional neck support pillows or inserts in car seats or cribs, as they can pose suffocation risks or interfere with safety restraints (7).

When You Should Stop Supporting Baby’s Head?

Should You Be Worried If Your Baby Doesn’t Hold His Head Up?

Babies reach milestones at different times. Hence, your baby’s head control age may vary. Some develop skills more quickly compared to others. However, if you are concerned that your baby isn’t holding his head up at three months, you can contact a doctor to discuss the same. It is also important to note that premature babies may take longer to achieve these milestones.

FAQs

1. How can I help my baby strengthen their neck muscles?

You can encourage neck muscle development by engaging in tummy time several times daily for a few minutes each session. Gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger. Holding your baby upright and encouraging them to look around can also help (3).

2. What if my baby isn’t holding their head up by four months?

If your baby hasn’t started holding their head up by four months, it’s important not to panic, as development varies. However, it’s a good idea to consult your paediatrician for an evaluation to rule out any potential concerns or developmental delays.

3. Are there any signs of delayed head control?

Signs of delayed head control might include difficulty for newborns lifting the head during tummy time, a consistently floppy head, or an inability to hold the head steady when sitting up. If you notice these signs, consult with your paediatrician for advice.

Your baby’s development milestones are very important because they can help him build strength and mobility for his future body. It is important that you take the necessary steps to support your baby throughout this stage. More importantly, do not miss out on enjoying your little one’s little achievements as he grows up.

References/Resources:

1. When Do Babies Hold Their Head Up?; Pathways.org; https://pathways.org/when-do-babies-hold-their-head-up/

2. Osagie. I. E, Givler. D. N; Infant Head Lag; National Library of Medicine; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567782/

3. Williams. E, Galea. M; Babies need more than tummy time to strengthen necks and prevent flat heads; University of Melbourne; https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/news/2602-babies-need-more-than-tummy-time-to-strengthen-necks-and-prevent-flat-heads#

4. ACTIVITIES TO HELP THE CHILD LIFT AND CONTROL HER HEAD (AND USE HER EYES AND EARS); Hesperian Health Guides; https://en.hesperian.org/hhg/Disabled_Village_Children:Activities_to_Help_the_Child_Lift_and_Control_Her_Head_(and_Use_Her_Eyes_and_Ears)

5. Tummy Time; Nemours KidsHealth; https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/tummy-time.html

6. Developmental Milestones: 3 Months; American Academy of Pediatrics; https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Developmental-Milestones-3-Months.aspx

7. Do Not Use Infant Head Shaping Pillows to Prevent or Treat Any Medical Condition: FDA Safety Communication; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/safety-communications/do-not-use-infant-head-shaping-pillows-prevent-or-treat-any-medical-condition-fda-safety#

Also Read:

Baby Clapping Milestone
Bottom Shuffling in Baby
Baby Blowing Raspberries
Baby Shaking Head Side to Side – Is it Normal?
Baby Cruising – A Developmental Milestone Prior to Walking

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