If you've ever held a new born, you'll know how important it is to keep their head supported.
During those first few months when baby doesn't have control of their neck muscles, it can be a rather anxious time. Especially for those family members who may not be so used to holding a newborn.
But don't worry, it won't be long until baby and comfortably and confidently support their own head, but as with most things, all babies develop at different stages.
If you're wondering when your baby will be holding up their own head, we've got you covered, with advice on when babies can hold their head up and the ways you can encourage them to reach this huge milestone.
When can babies hold their head up?
At around three months old, your baby will have developed enough strength in their necks to keep their heads partially upright.
Between three and six months, these muscles will only strengthen, and by six months, they should be able to fully control their neck muscles.
The benefits of tummy time
Tummy time is a great activity to help build those neck muscles from a young age - some babies begin tummy time from one month old! Tummy time is a great opportunity to see these little head lifts.
You may also notice your baby trying to turn their head too, which is a great exercise for strengthening the surrounding muscles to the neck.
You can find out more about how to do tummy time safely here, plus ways to do tummy time on your chest too.
Lifting head and chest
The next step is the lifting of both the head and chest. This usually happens in month one to three. This is normally the time when they become a little more interested in that activity mat too!
This is also a great time to perhaps introduce toys and even lay next to your tot as they're trying to push themselves up. The more they get used to tummy time, the more likely they are to begin to push themselves up with their elbows and arms (the first step to crawling!).
Full head control
By six months, your baby should confidently be able to hold up their heads and turn it from left to right and up and down. If you're concerned your baby might need a little help reaching this milestone, there are a few things you can do to help them along.
• Place them in a high-chair - just for short periods. Even if it's not dinner time, it could be beneficial for baby to get used to sitting in an upright position.
• Practise sitting with your baby by placing them on your knee with a nursing pillow to support them.
• Pop them in their baby carrier so they're in an upright position so they can practise looking around.
• Placing your baby on their back with a mobile or play mat with some hanging toys can be too irresistible for your tot and they'll try to reach up to touch the toys.
If your baby cannot lift their head unsupported by four months, it's worth checking in with your paediatrician. Most of the time it's nothing to worry about, but it's worth checking just in case.
Safety notes
It goes without saying that before your baby is able to support their own head, you need to ensure it's supported at all times when picking them up and holding them.
All car seats, pushchairs and bouncers should all be fixed at the correct incline to provide the best level of support for your baby. If you notice their head flopping forward, the incline needs to be altered. Small pillows and inserts should not be used until they're at least a year old. You can find out more about toddler pillows here.
What's the next milestone?
Once they can hold their head up, they'll soon be rolling over, sitting up and crawling!