When Can Infants Hold Up Head? Guide to Head Control Development

One of the most exciting milestones for new parents is watching their baby start to hold up their head. But when can infants hold up their head?

Babies develop skills differently, but this milestone usually begins around 1 to 3 months. Each stage is a new adventure, and mastering head control is the first step toward bigger milestones like sitting, crawling, and walking.

So, in this article, let's explore the stages of head control development and what to expect during those early months.

When Do Infants Start Holding Up Their Heads?

Babies start working on holding up their heads pretty early on, and it’s a gradual process that unfolds over the first six months. During this time, they’re building the muscle strength and coordination needed for full head control.

Studies highlight how important tummy time is for strengthening the muscles needed for head control. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting tummy time early, ideally right from birth. Even 3-5 minutes of daily tummy time encourages your baby to work those neck and shoulder muscles, helping them reach these milestones faster.

As time goes by, they’ll start doing more—lifting their head, turning it from side to side, and following objects or sounds. These little movements are big steps toward sitting up, crawling, and everything that comes next, which we'll discuss below.

Full Timeline: Baby Head Developmental Milestones

To start off, please keep in mind that babies develop skills at different rates. Some may reach head control milestones earlier or later than others, and that’s perfectly normal.

That said, knowing the general timeline can help you support your baby’s development and recognize when they might need extra help. So, let's get started.

Newborn to 2 Months

In the first few months, babies have weak neck muscles, which means they’ll need you to support their head constantly. This is normal—newborns simply don’t have the motor skills yet to control their heads on their own.

However, during this stage, you might notice small signs of progress. Based on tummy time milestones, your baby will gradually lift their head for a few seconds as they lie on your chest or engage in tummy time. Most babies begin to make this effort early on. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, building the foundation for head control.

By the time they hit the 2-month mark, many babies start to lift and rotate their heads more easily during tummy time and begin reaching other head control milestones. At this point, you might see your baby hold their head more centered when lying on their back. This shows they’re gaining better control as they approach the stage where your baby masters head control.

3 to 4 Months

When your baby reaches the age of three to four months, you’ll likely witness a significant advancement in their head control. During tummy time, they can raise their heads to a 45-degree angle and even up to 90 degrees. This is a significant milestone as it shows they’re developing the strength needed to hold their head steady.

Around this age, babies can hold their heads steady when supported to sit and, by the end of the fourth month, they can generally hold their head level while sitting upright without wobbling. As their neck muscles strengthen, they will be able to maintain head control for longer periods, which is crucial for their overall development.

5 to 6 Months

Around the age of five to six months, the majority of babies typically attain complete head control, which is a crucial milestone in a baby’s development. This means they can hold their head and chest up independently while lying on their stomach, showing significant strength in their neck and upper body. This milestone is not only a relief for parents but also a sign that the baby is ready to explore more movements.

At this stage, babies can turn their heads easily in different directions and start sitting with minimal support. Reaching full head control is a major achievement that sets the stage for other developmental milestones like sitting up, rolling over, and eventually crawling and walking.

How to Help Babies Develop Head Control

Helping your baby develop head control is all about building up those neck and upper body muscles. There are a few simple activities that can help—like tummy time, practicing sitting with support, and using helpful tools. These exercises not only help with head control but also boost overall motor skill development, which will be useful as your baby grows.

Let’s dive into how you can include these activities in your baby’s daily routine to help them make progress.

1. Tummy Time

Tummy time is one of the best ways to build your baby’s neck and shoulder strength. It’s a simple yet powerful activity that helps babies learn how to lift and steady their heads. The key is starting early and keeping it fun.

• Start small. Start tummy time early, but do take it slowly. Aim for only 3-5 minutes of tummy time a few times a day. As your baby’s muscles get stronger, gradually increase the time.

• Make it more comfortable. Instead of putting them on the bare floor, use a baby-safe mat like the Poppyseed Play Padded Mat or the Poppyseed Play Linen Play Mat. Also, babies hold their head easier when there's a rolled-up blanket or a small pillow under their chest to prop them up.

• Keep them engaged. Place toys or colorful objects in front of them to encourage head movements. An activity mat with toys can make tummy time more interactive.

2. Assisted Sitting

Helping your baby practice sitting is another great way to work on head control. This strengthens their neck and back muscles, getting them ready for independent sitting.

• Use both hands. Place one hand on your baby’s chest and the other on their back. This helps guide them into holding their head up as they sit.

• Roll them up gently. Slowly roll your baby from lying down to a sitting position. This engages their head and neck muscles as they work to keep their head steady.

3. Using Supportive Tools

Supportive tools can make a big difference when helping your baby with head control. Around 3 months, babies often benefit from a little extra help during these exercises.

• Nursing pillow or rolled-up blanket. As mentioned above, you can use one of these to prop your baby up during tummy time. It provides more stability and helps them lift their head more comfortably.

• Exercise ball fun. Gently sit your baby on an exercise ball and lightly bounce them. This strengthens their neck and back muscles as they try to stay balanced.

How to Properly Support Your Baby's Head

In the early months, your baby's neck muscles are still developing, so giving them the right head and neck support is key to helping them grow strong.

Whenever you pick up, hold, or carry your baby, you’ll want to make sure their head is well-supported to prevent it from flopping. Good support not only keeps your baby comfortable but also helps them build strength safely. Some general tips include:

• Move gently when picking up or holding your baby, keeping their head supported at all times.

• Incorporate tummy time into their daily routine to help strengthen neck muscles and improve head control.

• Check car seat and stroller harnesses regularly to make sure your baby is properly supported during rides.

Additionally, here's a breakdown of simple techniques to help you support your baby’s head during everyday activities.

1. Cradling Your Baby

Newborns don’t yet have the neck strength to hold their heads up, so supporting their head while cradling them is important. Without proper support, their head could flop forward or backward, putting unnecessary strain on their neck. Using the right technique also helps your baby feel secure and comfortable in your arms.

• Start by resting their head against your chest. This gives them stability while you move them into a more secure position.

• Gently move their head into the crook of your arm, keeping your hand on their neck. This position allows them to relax, and you’ll maintain full control of their head.

• Avoid quick movements. Sudden jerks can make their head jolt, which could strain their neck muscles or make them uncomfortable.

2. Carrying Your Baby Safely

Babies need support when carried because their neck muscles are still too weak to hold up their head. Without proper support, their head might flop in different directions, which could lead to discomfort or even minor injuries. By carrying them the right way, you’re not only keeping them safe but also encouraging their neck muscles to grow stronger.

• Use the shoulder hold. Rest their head on your chest or shoulder, and support their neck with one hand. This position also encourages them to look around and lift their head, which helps develop their neck muscles.

• As your baby gets stronger, you can begin to carry them facing outward, but always make sure their head stays supported until they’re fully ready.

3. Using Car Seats and Strollers

In car seats and strollers, babies need good head support to prevent their head from flopping forward or to the side, especially during bumpy rides. Their head and neck are still fragile, so it’s important to keep them properly secured to avoid strain or discomfort.

• Always use a five-point harness in car seats and strollers. This keeps your baby snug and prevents their head from moving too much during travel.

• Check the straps regularly to make sure they’re tight enough to hold your baby in place, but not too tight that it causes discomfort. Adjust the harness as your baby grows.

• Use infant inserts for car seats if your baby needs extra head support. These inserts help keep their head stable, especially for newborns who are still working on head control.

Signs of Good Head Control

Head control is one of the key milestones to watch for, typically around 4 to 6 months. This is an exciting time as it shows that their neck and shoulder muscles are getting stronger, and they’re starting to get more control over their movements. Good head control opens the door to bigger achievements like sitting up, rolling, and later on crawling.

Here are some of the common signs your baby is gaining good head control:

• Lifting their head during tummy time. By now, your baby should be able to lift their head at a 90-degree angle while lying on their stomach.

• Holding their head steady. When your baby is sitting up, whether supported or in a high chair, their head should stay steady with little to no wobbling.

• Turning their head with ease. Babies with stronger neck muscles can turn their head side to side smoothly, especially when they hear sounds or see something interesting.

• Tracking objects with their head and eyes. They can follow moving objects easily, coordinating their eyes and head to keep up.

• Sitting with support. When placed in a seated position, they can hold their head up in line with their body without it bobbing.

When to Consult a Pediatrician

While head control usually develops by 4 to 6 months, some babies may take a little longer to strengthen their neck muscles. However, if you notice your baby isn’t showing progress in this area, it’s worth reaching out to a pediatrician.

Some conditions, like hypotonia, torticollis, and cerebral palsy, can affect head control. These conditions can make it harder for your baby to strengthen their neck muscles and may require professional help. Early intervention can help manage these concerns, improving long-term outcomes for your child.

If you spot any of the signs listed below, it’s a good idea to check in with your pediatrician to ensure your baby’s development is on track.

Here are some signs that it might be time to see a pediatrician:

• No head control by 4 months. If your baby isn’t showing any ability to lift or hold their head by this time, it could be a sign of delayed development.

• Struggling during tummy time. If your baby can’t lift their head or seems uninterested in tummy time by 3 months, it’s worth checking with a doctor.

• Head tilting to one side. Consistent tilting may indicate torticollis, which can affect head and neck movement.

• Limp or floppy head control. This could be a sign of hypotonia, a condition where muscles lack tone, making it hard for your baby to hold their head up.

• Difficulty tracking objects. If your baby isn’t following objects with their eyes and head by 4 months, it may signal a motor or neurological issue.

• Head lagging beyond 4 months. If your baby’s head continues to lag or flop backward when pulled to a sitting position after 4 months, it could indicate several issues, including early signs of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Final Thoughts

As you guide your baby through these early milestones, remember that your care and attention make all the difference. Every small step forward is progress, and you’re the best support your baby can have.

Development happens at its own pace, so celebrate each win, no matter how small. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice—early support goes a long way. You’re doing great, and your baby is lucky to have you on their side!