Index
A very common question among mothers, especially first-time mothers, is: How many months does the baby hold the head? But the answer is quite simple
Why Are Babies So Soft?
Soon after birth, the baby has almost no head control. This is because the neck muscles responsible for supporting the head are weak and their motor skills are not yet fully developed.
But, in just a short time the baby acquires this ability and it is possible to predict how many months the baby holds the head. The vital skills develop gradually in the newborn and, step by step, lay the foundation for the next movements, such as walking and sitting in their first year.
It is important to know how many months the baby holds the head to assess its growth and so that it can monitor the child’s development and act quickly if necessary.
But After All, How Many Months Does the Baby Hold the Head?
At the age of 1 month, babies usually begin to make the gesture of raising their heads (although most attempts are unsuccessful until the baby is 2 months old).
In the second month, however, it is possible to notice that the baby tries to raise his head slowly during the period on his stomach, in the beginning for a few seconds that are most of the time unstable .
If the baby does not like to lie on his stomach, it is possible not to place him, however, the practice is vital for the development and growth of the muscles of the trunk and neck. And so realize how many months the baby holds the head.
The support and stability of the baby’s head will steadily improve over the next few months, but he may still need help holding the head (especially during feeding, playing and more).
Most babies do not require much head support at around 4 months of age. At this point, he will probably lift his head while lying on his back and may try to support himself with his elbows for as long as he is on his stomach.
By the end of the baby’s six-month period, control of the head and neck muscles will be quite strong and it is possible to say how many months the baby holds the head.
How is Baby Head Control Developed?
Knowing how control of the baby’s head develops is important so that it is possible to encourage the baby to do it in the right way.
Newborns
Newborn babies rely entirely on mothers to support their necks and heads in the first month of life. Perhaps it is a natural way to keep mothers and children closer and allow more frequent sharing of time to establish a closer bond between mother and child.
1 to 2 months
After the completion of the first month, the baby tries to raise his head briefly and turns it to the sides when he lies on his stomach. It is also possible to observe that babies with greater coordination and stronger musculature (at the age of 6 to 8 weeks) can also lift it during the time they are facedown.
When they are carried in their arms, they try to hold and control the head tremor, but this does not last long. Babies will also exercise head control while sitting facing the baby in comfort.
If the mother wants to use a kangaroo or stroller in a sitting position, it is preferable to wait until the baby learns to properly control his head and does not need support.
However, while carrying the baby in a sling, it is important to check that the face is visible, as the little ones cannot move their heads properly to facilitate breathing.
3 to 4 months
When the baby reaches this age, it is possible to notice improvements in head control. They can also lift it for as long as it lies on its stomach at a 45-degree angle, in addition to keeping it firm for longer periods.
A very easy exercise to stimulate the neck muscles, making them stronger is to play with the baby. The exercise consists of lying him on his back and slowly pulling him to a sitting position . Repeat the exercise a few times, always remembering to do it slowly.
5 to 6 months
At 6 months the baby can easily hold the head in an upright posture. He can also flex his head forward while pulled into a sitting position. At this age, the stroller in a sitting position can be used without fear.
How Can I Help My Baby’s Development?
Some tips are essential to help the baby in this stage of development. Are they:
Be careful – Care must be taken when handling the baby. Encouraging the development of baby’s head control is very important, but it needs to be done correctly.
Be patient – You may be anxious waiting to interact with your baby, but be careful when handling your baby’s head , as it needs support until it becomes firm enough to be supported by it.
Therefore, support your child’s neck and head using your hands or arms and avoid making sudden movements with the baby in the first months after birth.
Encourage the child when he is on his stomach – A newborn has the natural instinct to lift his head and neck to get a complete view of his environment. Do not be concerned if your baby is not interested in raising his head at first, as most of them are not interested in doing extra work. But remember that the stimulus is necessary for its motor development.
Do neck strengthening exercises – Shake a rattle on both sides of your baby’s head. This will encourage you to turn both ways. Using a light can also help you move your head from side to side. Stimulate movements by gently stroking his cheek with your fingers
Make him sit – When the baby reaches the age of 6 months, he is ready to see the surroundings from a new perspective. It is important at this age to let him sit using a support, such as pillows. It is important not to leave it on a raised surface and it is also possible to leave the baby sitting on your lap.
When to Worry About Baby Development?
If a newborn baby does not show signs or attempts to raise its head, the ideal is to talk to the pediatrician. Reporting what is going on with the baby will enable the doctor to diagnose future problems.
If at 3 months you notice that the baby is having difficulty raising his head (even slightly), it is important to report it to the pediatrician at the next appointment.
Every baby develops his skills differently; some develop quickly while others take a little longer. Premature babies take more time at each stage of development to show how many months the baby holds the head compared to those born at term.
And remember, if you are concerned about how many months the baby holds the head, see a pediatrician to clear up any doubts you may have about your baby’s development.
See Also: Can Baby’s Crooked Head Go Back to Normal?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
