When Do Babies Gain Control of Their Neck

At what age do babies hold their head up?

At birth, your baby has little control over his head because his motor skills and neck muscles are fairly weak. He'll develop this crucial skill, which is the foundation for all later movement – such as sitting up and walking – little by little during the first year of life.

Your baby will probably be able to lift her head when she's about a month old, and hold it up when placed in a sitting position at around 4 months. Her neck muscles and head control should be strong and steady by 6 months.

How do babies learn head control?

Newborns
Your baby will rely on you to support his head and neck for at least the first month or so. Perhaps it's nature's way of making sure you have lots of time to gaze into each other's eyes and bond as you cradle your baby in your arms.

1 to 2 months
By the end of his first month, your baby should be able to lift his head briefly and turn it from side to side when lying on his stomach. At around 6 to 8 weeks, if he's especially strong and coordinated, he'll raise his head while lying on his back.

When you carry him on your shoulder, he'll have enough control to hold his head up shakily, but not for long. He'll also be strong enough to hold up his head while sitting in a car seat or front pack. Wait until he can hold his head up steadily without any support from you to use a jogging stroller or a backpack, though. If you carry your baby in a sling, make sure his face is visible since he can't yet move his head to breathe easily.

3 to 4 months
You'll notice a definite improvement in head control by this time. Your baby will be able to raise his head to 45 degrees while on his tummy and keep it up steadily.

For a fun game that also develops his neck muscles, place your baby on his back and slowly pull him up by his hands to a sitting position. Slowly ease him back down, and repeat.

At this age, he should be able to hold his head in line with the rest of his body as it's pulled up. You can probably carry him in a backpack now.

5 to 6 months
By 6 months, your baby will be able to hold his head steady and erect, and he'll flex it forward when he's pulled into a sitting position. He may be ready for a jogging stroller at this point.

How to help your baby learn head control

You don't have to do much to encourage the development of head control, but you do have to be careful until it's well established. For the first few months, especially, you'll need to cradle your baby's neck and head when you lift him, hold him, or carry him. Although your baby should always sleep on his back, put him on his tummy frequently while he's awake – lifting his head and chest to see you or his toys will strengthen his neck muscles.

From 3 to 6 months, you may want to prop your baby in a sitting position – in a safe place, with plenty of neck and head support. Use pillows, or set him on your lap, with his back against you. Have him sit in different spots around your home so his view changes. Never leave him sitting unattended, though, because he could topple over.

If you're a runner, avoid taking your baby out with you in a jogging stroller until he masters head control. When you think he's ready, pick a jogger with a five-point harness, which offers the most support.

What to do if your baby doesn't hold his head up

If your baby seems to struggle to lift his head up even slightly at 3 months, mention it at your next doctor visit. Babies develop skills differently, some more quickly than others, and head control is no exception. Premature babies may reach this and other milestones later than their peers – check with your child's doctor if you're worried.

After your baby holds her head up – what's next?

Once your baby establishes good head control, she can move on to sitting up, rolling over, and crawling. Head control is also necessary for swallowing solid foods and sitting in a highchair.

When Do Babies Gain Control of Their Neck

Source: https://www.babycenter.com/baby/baby-development/baby-milestones-head-control_6579