At What Age Does a Baby Hold Their Head Up?

A very common question among mothers, especially first-time moms, is: At what age does a baby hold their head up? However, the answer is quite simple

Why Are Babies So Delicate?

Right after birth, the baby barely has any control of their head. This happens because the neck muscles responsible for supporting the head are weak and their motor skills are not yet fully developed¹. But, in just a short period of time the baby acquires this skill and it is possible to predict at what age the baby holds their head up. Vital abilities develop gradually in newborns and, step by step, lay the foundations for future movements, such as walking and sitting during their first year. It’s important to know when a baby holds their head up to assess their growth and so that you can monitor the child’s development and take action quickly if needed.

So, When Does a Baby Hold Their Head Up?

At 1 month old, babies generally start to make the movement of lifting their head (although most attempts are unsuccessful until the baby is 2 months old). In the second month, however, you may notice that the baby tries slowly to lift their head while lying on their tummy², at first for a few seconds which are most often unstable. If the baby does not like to be placed on their tummy, it is possible not to do so, but the practice is vital for developing and strengthening the trunk and neck muscles. This is also how you can notice when a baby holds their head up. The baby’s head support and stability will improve steadily over the next few months, but they may still need support to hold their head up (especially during feeding, playtime, and so on). Most babies do not require much head support by around 4 months of age. At this stage, they will likely lift their head when lying on their back and may try to prop themselves up on their elbows during tummy time. By the end of the baby’s sixth month, head control and neck muscles will be quite strong and it is easy to say when a baby holds their head up.

How Does a Baby’s Head Control Develop?

Knowing how a baby develops head control is important so you can encourage your baby to do it the right way.

Newborns

Newborn babies rely completely on their mothers to support their neck and head in the first month of life. This may be a natural way to keep mothers and babies closer together and allow more frequent bonding time to establish a closer connection between mother and child.

From 1 to 2 months

After the first month, the baby tries to briefly lift their head and turn it from side to side while on their tummy. You may also notice that babies with greater coordination and stronger muscles (aged 6 to 8 weeks) may also lift their head during tummy time. When being carried in your arms, they try to hold and control their wobbly head, but this doesn’t last very long. Babies will also practice head control while sitting in a car seat facing forward. If the mother wants to use a baby carrier or stroller in the sitting position, it’s best to wait until the baby learns to control their head properly and no longer needs support. However, while carrying your baby in a sling, it’s important to check that their face is visible, as little ones cannot move their heads properly to make breathing easier.

3 to 4 months

When the baby reaches this age, you’ll notice major improvements in head control. They can also lift their head to a 45-degree angle during tummy time, and keep it steady for longer periods. An easy exercise to strengthen the neck muscles is to play with your baby. The exercise consists of laying them on their back and slowly pulling them into a sitting position. Repeat the exercise a few times, always doing it gently.

5 to 6 months

At 6 months old, the baby can easily hold their head up while upright. They can also flex their head forward when pulled into a sitting position. At this age, you can use a stroller in the sitting position without worry.

How Can I Help My Baby’s Development?

Some tips are fundamental in helping your baby during this stage of development. They are: Be careful – You need to be very gentle when handling your baby. Encouraging the development of your baby’s head control is important, but you need to do it the right way. Be patient – You may be anxious to interact with your baby, but be careful with their little head, as it needs support until it’s strong enough for them to hold it on their own. For this reason, support your child’s neck and head with your hands or arms and avoid making sudden movements with the baby in the first months after birth. Encourage tummy time – A newborn instinctively lifts their head and neck to get a full view of their surroundings. Don’t worry if at first your baby isn’t interested in lifting their head, as most are not eager to do extra work. But remember that stimulation is necessary for their motor development. Do neck-strengthening exercises – Shake a rattle on both sides of your baby’s head. This will encourage them to turn to both sides. Using a small light can also help them move their head from side to side. Encourage these movements by gently stroking their cheek with your fingers. Encourage sitting – When your baby is around 6 months old, they are ready to view their surroundings from a new perspective. At this age, it’s important to let them sit up with support, such as pillows for example. It’s important not to leave the baby on an elevated surface, and you can also let the baby sit on your lap.

When Should You Be Concerned About Baby’s Development?

If a newborn does not show signs or attempts to lift their head, the ideal thing is to talk to your pediatrician. Reporting what’s going on with your baby will allow the doctor to diagnose any future problems³. If by 3 months you notice your baby is struggling to lift their head (even slightly), it’s important to mention it to the pediatrician at the next appointment. Every baby develops at their own pace; some develop quickly while others take a bit longer. Premature babies spend more time at each developmental stage before reaching the age when full-term babies can hold up their heads. And remember, if you’re worried about when a baby should hold their head up, consult a pediatrician to clear up any doubts regarding your baby’s development. Also read: Can a Baby’s Flat Head Go Back to Normal? Photos: David Precious