During the first few months, your baby’s head needs a lot of support during as his neck muscles are fairly weak. Head control or the ability to hold his head up is an important milestone as it will help your baby to roll over, sit up, crawl and walk in the future.
When will your baby be able to hold head up?
By the end, if the first month your baby will be able to lift her head while he/she is placed on his/her tummy. By 4 months their head control increases and they can hold it up when placed in a sitting position. It is by 6 months your baby will have complete control overhead. Your baby’s neck muscle will be strong enough to hold the head up and turn it from side to side.
How will your baby establish head control?
Your baby will develop head control gradually over his first six months.
• Newborns
As your baby’s neck muscles are fairly weak his head will flop back if you gently pull her up by her hands into a sitting position. So, your baby will rely completely on your support for at least the first month or so.
• 1 to 2 months
By the end, if the first month your baby will be able to lift her head while he is placed on his tummy. He will also try to turn it from side to side. Your baby will be able to hold his head up shakily and briefly while you hold him up on your shoulder. He’ll also be able to hold up his head while sitting in a car seat or front pack.
• 3 to 4 months
There will be a significant increase in head control as your baby will be able to raise his head to 45 degrees steadily while placed on his tummy. Your baby will be able to hold his head without your support while you carry him on your shoulder. Try to engage him in certain games or exercises which will help him to improve his head control further.
• 5 to 6 months
By 6 months, your baby will be able to hold his head steady without any trouble as his neck muscles are well developed by now. He may even flex it forward when you place him in a sitting position. At around 6 to 8 weeks, he may even raise his head while lying on his back.
How to help your baby learn head control?
For the first few months, especially, you’ll need to support your baby’s neck and head when you lift him, hold him, or carry him. Place your baby on his tummy frequently while he’s awake so that he will lift his head and chest to see you or his toys which will help him in strengthening his neck muscles.
From 3 to 6 months, place your baby in a sitting position with plenty of neck and head support. Never leave your babysitting unattended because he may topple over.
Engage him in little games. Make him lie on his back and pull him up with his arms gently as you make silly faces at him this will help in building his neck muscles.
For more information, you can visit babycentre.co.uk and babycentre.in.
