How to Help a Baby Develop Good Head Control

In the first few weeks after baby is born, they won't be able to lift or support their heads. However, by the time baby is around a month old, you'll see your baby's head control improve. In the first three months, your little one will begin lifting their head often; to a 45-degree angle at first. They may also start to lift their chest off the floor as they gain more upper body strength. By the age of 6 months, your baby's neck muscles and upper body will allow for a full range of motion.

It's important during these first months of development that you fully support your baby's head when lifting them or holding them until they're able to do so on their own. If your baby insists on being held constantly, this may prove exhausting at times, but there are solutions.

"My youngest was a colicky baby, from what I could tell. We never were diagnosed, but she did not want me to put her down," Sandra Preston told Mom.com. "Finally, I got smart and began wearing her everywhere I went, and even just around the house. Babywearing was perfect in those first few months because she felt close to me, my hands were free, and her neck and body were fully supported against me. It was a win-win for both of us," the mom of two imparted.

Allowing your baby periods of tummy time throughout the day is one of the best ways to develop and encourage baby head control. This gradually strengthens your baby’s shoulder, arm, and back muscles. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) show 30 minutes of tummy time spread out over a 24-hour period — six 5-minute sessions per day — improves a baby’s gross motor development. You can encourage tummy time by laying your little one on their stomach when baby is awake and alert. If your baby is having trouble with tummy time, there are ways of helping them along.

"One of my absolute favorite things is to just get a rolled-up towel and place it underneath their armpits so they can have a little bit of extra support," pediatric physical therapist Dr. Lauren Baker explained in her YouTube series. "They're able to lift their heads in this position because their elbows are at an appropriate height."

Tummy time is hard work, so if your baby happens to fall asleep, be sure to turn them over on their back to sleep. Recommendations since the 1990s indicate that sleeping while lying on the stomach increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While research published in May 2022 has found certain biomarkers that could cause a baby to die from SIDS, the AAP still recommends infants sleep on their backs without obstructions like pillows and blankets nearby.

Another way to promote baby head control is to hold your baby upright when carrying them. At first your baby may just nestle into your shoulder. Soon they will raise their head up to look around. Once your baby reaches the age of 3 to 4 months, you can gently encourage them into a sitting position by holding their hands and slowly guiding them forward. You'll know when your baby is ready to try this because they'll be able to pull their head up off of the floor as you gently grasp their hands and guide them.

Some things to watch for if your baby is approaching 3-4 months include:

• Being unable to lift their head
• Inability to control their neck muscles
• Seems to have difficulty swallowing or sucking
• Has a weak cry
• Shows signs of muscle weakness

In some instances, not reaching these milestones could indicate a developmental delay, so if you have concerns, schedule an appointment with your child's physician. They will be able to point you in the right direction with follow-up suggestions, resources, and advice to help ease your mind.