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A newborn baby sleeps most of the day and only cries when they need something, be it feeding, a diaper change, or just some close skin-to-skin contact. But soon, time passes, and your baby starts hitting small milestones, each of which becomes precious to the new parents. Not only do these milestones add joy to your life, but they also speak volumes about your baby’s proper growth and development. One such important milestone is holding their heads up. So do you know when your baby starts holding their head up properly? Read on to know.
Month 1
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Newborns do not have much muscle strength. That is why their head movements are jerky, and their neck needs support, be it for bathing or holding, or carrying them. However, by the end of the first month itself, they can hold their heads up, even if that is for a second or two. It can more aptly be called head lifts and can be seen during tummy times.
Month 2
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By the end of the second month, most babies can hold their heads up by themselves, even for a few seconds. Although the lift would be very brief and only an inch or so, it is still a feat that many parents would like to celebrate.
Month 3
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With tummy time having helped strengthen their chest, arm, and neck muscles, this is the month where you will find your little one lifting their heads more often. But it does not end here. This is the month when your baby will be able to turn his or her head from side to side and also look around while being in your arms.
Month 4
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By the end of this month, you will find your baby able to lift their head often and raise part of the chest with the support of their forearms. If you sit with your baby on your lap, she will be able to hold her head straight, which means you do not need to support her neck while carrying her around. She can also raise her neck up to 90 degrees by pushing up on her arms.
Month 5 and 6
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Most babies in their 5th and 6th month will be able to hold up their heads and chests with minimal effort. In fact by the 6th month, they will be able to hold their heads steady and strong. Also, by the end of 6 months, they can sit up without support for longer periods enabling parents to take them out for stroller rides in a sitting position.
Tummy time and Its Role In Helping Babies Hold Their Heads Up
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The most important thing that will help your baby gain head control gradually is tummy time. This is because spending time on the tummy helps strengthen the baby’s neck and shoulder muscles, which will play a crucial role in being able to hold his head up for longer periods. Also, initially, your baby might cry and not like tummy time, but nothing beats tummy time when it comes to helping your baby hold their heads up gradually. It also has other benefits like encouraging hand-eye coordination, strengthening hand muscles, and improving your baby’s motor skills. Here are some ways you can help your baby get better head control with the help of tummy time:
Start It Early
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Most parents can be a little cautious about tummy time, but the truth is you can start as early as when your baby is a few weeks old. You can start by placing them face down on your lap for a few minutes a day. Based on your baby’s comfort level, you can gradually increase the time.
Encourage Your Baby
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During tummy time, help encourage your baby to look up a little. You can sing to them, talk to them, or wave a rattle or a toy to get their attention which will encourage them to look up. Alternatively you can also go for a tummy time mat with vibrant colors, light, sound, and toys.
Give Them Company
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Tummy times are not for fun alone. Try to give your baby some company during tummy time, even if that means lying beside them on your own stomach while conversing or playing with them. This will make them look forward to their tummy times.
Prop Them Up
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Apart from tummy time, once your baby turns 4 to 5 months old, try propping them on your lap for some time during feeds. This helps give them some time to practice head control while also providing a chance to see the world.
When Can You Stop Supporting Your Baby’s Head?
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Initially, for the first few months, you need to be careful with your baby and support her head, be it during bathing, carrying, or holding. However by the time your baby turns four months old they should be able to do without you supporting their head. If you find that you need to support your little one’s neck even at the end of four months, then maybe it is a good idea to mention it to your pediatrician.
However, even after the given timelines, it is essential to remember that every baby has their own set timelines, and as a parent, it is good to encourage but not do anything drastic. If you found this article helpful and would like to read more similar articles, let us know in the comment section below!
