Teach your baby to hold his head up!

Soon after birth, a newborn baby has lesser control on his head due to weak neck muscles and under-developed motor skills that are responsible for supporting the head. But in just a few months, the baby acquires this ability. The vital skills develop in the newborn gradually and in a step by step fashion that lays the foundation for upcoming movements such as walking and sitting in his first year.It It is important to know when babies hold their head up to gauge the growth of little one so that you can monitor the child’s development and take action if necessary.At the age of 1 month, the babies usually start making the gesture of lifting head (though most attempts are unsuccessful until the baby is 2 month old). By second month, you will start noticing that your babies try to slowly pop up his head during tummy time, initially for few shaky seconds. If babies do not like tummy time, do not stop the practice as this is vital for the development and growth of their upper body and neck muscles.

The baby’s head support and stability will improve steadily within next few months but he may still need the support in holding head (especially while feeding, playing and cradling). Most of the babies do not require much head support at or around 4 months of age. At this time, the baby will likely to raise the head while lying on back and may try to prop up on elbows during tummy time just like a mini cobra. By the end of baby’s six month the head control and neck muscles are fairly strong.

What Can You Do in the Development of Babies’ Head Control?

Be supportive - You might eagerly be waiting to interact with your child to share your bundle of joy but be careful while dealing with his floppy head which requires support until he gains total head control. Support your child’s neck and head by using your hands or by crooking your arm and avoid completely any jarring movements in his initial months.

Encourage child during tummy time - A newborn has a natural instinct of raising his head and neck to get a complete look of his environment. Do not get alarmed when your child fusses in his tummy time as most of the babies do not take any interest in doing extra work but this is necessary for your child’s development.

Play neck-strengthening games - Shake a rattle on both the sides of your baby’s head. This will encourage the baby to turn head on both sides. Using flashlight can also help you baby in moving head side to side. Encourage the head movements by gently stroking the baby’s cheek with fingers.

Make a photo of your baby lying on a tummy and holding a head up, upload it to the App. Write wether your baby likes the excercise.