Baby milestones: Learn to control your head

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor I Dang Thi Ngoc Chuong - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology, Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital. The doctor has extensive experience in the diagnosis and examination of neonatal pathology - neonatal resuscitation.
One of the important milestones that babies need to achieve in the first months of life is control of their head. This means that the baby can firmly move the head by lifting the neck when lying on the stomach.

1. At what point does the child begin to control the head?

At birth, babies have very little control over their heads because their motor skills and neck muscles are relatively weak. Your baby will develop this important skill, which is the foundation for all later movements - such as sitting up and walking - little by little during the first year of life.
Your baby will probably be able to lift his head at about a month old and be able to hold his head steady when placed in a sitting position by about 4 months. Your baby's neck muscles and head control will be strong and stable after 6 months of age.

2. How do babies learn to control their heads?

You'll notice that all starts to change around 3 months of age, when most babies develop enough strength in the neck to keep their head partially upright but as with all things parenting. Young people, there are many "normal" things. Some babies have stronger necks from the start, while others take time to develop the muscle mass needed to make a good view of the world. Here's more information about when and how babies learn to control their heads.
2.1. Stage 1: Early head-raising during tummy time During the first few days of a child's life, they are completely unable to lift their head. But that quickly changes, with some babies wanting to raise their heads as soon as they're 1 month old.
These slight head raises - unlike the baby's complete head control - are most noticeable when the baby is on his stomach. If you put your baby on his stomach, you may also find him trying to raise his head enough to turn his head from side to side. This practice is very important for later head control, it also plays a role in developing the surrounding muscles in the shoulders, arms and back, helping the baby become more flexible later on.
A newborn baby may not be very interested in an activity or play mat yet, but placing your baby on his or her stomach for a few minutes at a time, several times a day will help exercise these muscles. (Make sure to stay with your baby, monitoring tummy time so they don't fall asleep while on tummy.)
You can also practice tummy time by placing your baby on their stomach on their chest, thighs or belly. friend. Some babies prefer this because they can still see your face and you can interact with them closer.
2.2. Stage 2: Head and Chest Lift From 1 to 3 months of age, babies usually begin to lift their heads more often (usually mastering a 45-degree angle) and may also lift their breasts partially off the floor.

At this point, the baby's eyesight has developed further, the objects, the play mat can really be more attractive than in the first month. Babies are easily drawn to geometric designs and black and white patterns, so an eye-catching rug or blanket can be beneficial at this stage.
You should also add some stimulation to your child's playtime by placing another toy or object he wants out of his or her reach. You can also lie down on the floor next to your child to get his or her attention.
This is also a great time to start helping support your baby during tummy time and need your supervision. Sometimes, with this little support, a child can have a clearer view of what's around them and will give them the motivation to continue practicing self-raising.
Eventually, your baby will start pushing himself forward with his arms before crawling. At this point, the baby is usually able to fully lift the chest and keep the head level at a 90-degree angle, although not for long. It is important to observe and observe children when they perform these acts to avoid causing harm to them.
2.3. Stage 3: Full head control. Everything that happens with head lifting from birth to 3 or 4 months old is the kick-start for the main event: the important milestone that your baby can take full control of his or her head.
By 6 months, most babies already have enough strength in their neck and upper body to hold their head up with minimal force. Babies can also easily turn their heads from side to side and up and down.
If your baby needs a little help developing head control, there are a number of activities you can make as a daily routine to encourage your child to continue working on these skills.
Spend time with your child sitting upright on his lap or leaning against a pillow. This allows the baby to practice raising his head safely and helps support his back.
Put the child in a high chair for short periods of time, even if the child has not eaten enough. This will also give them some support while encouraging them to keep their head straight and level.
Consider placing your baby in a crib that allows you to position them upright while you work. The world is a fascinating place - most babies will want to sit up and look around.
Place your baby on his or her back on a play mat or crib with objects hanging on top. Babies will naturally tend to rise to what they see, strengthening the muscles in their neck, back, and shoulders.

3. Points to note when the child is in the process of controlling the head

You don't have to do much to encourage the development of baby's head control, but you must be careful until your child has well-established these skills. Especially during the first few months, you will need to support your baby's neck and head when you lift or hold him. While your baby should always sleep on his back, put him on his stomach often when he's awake - raising his head and chest to look at you or his toy will help strengthen his neck muscles.
Between 3 and 6 months, you can help support your baby in a sitting position - in a safe place with plenty of neck and head support. Use a pillow or place your baby on your lap, with his back against you. Make sure your child is sitting in different positions around your house where they can see and help them see more of their surroundings. However, never leave a child unattended, as they can tip over at any time.
Until your baby is able to lift his head on his own, make sure he's supported any time he's not on his back. As you pick your baby up, slide one hand under his shoulder blades to lift his head and neck while using the other hand to lift his bottom.
When burping your baby, keep your hands loose on the baby's neck and head to avoid shaking. All car seats, strollers, infant swings, strollers and rockers must be fixed at an age-appropriate incline to maintain an appropriate level of head support; If your child's head is facing forward, adjust the child's seat angle.
Some companies sell infant neck support pillows or cushions, encouraging parents to use them in cribs and car seats to prevent their baby's head from bending forward. But most experts (including the Food and Drug Administration) agree that anything should never be placed inside your child's sleeping environment or under or behind the back of an umbrella seat. children's bowl. Using a pillow can actually be dangerous in these situations: It can pose a suffocation risk or interfere with the operation of the seat belt in the event of an accident.
If you want to go for a run, avoid taking your baby out in the jogging stroller until she has control over her head. When your child is ready, choose a treadmill with a five-point harness, which provides the most support for your child.

4. What should you do if your baby can't lift his head?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a baby with poor head control or weak neck muscles should be evaluated by a pediatrician if the child is not meeting head control milestones.
If your baby can't hold his head up without support after 4 months of age, it may not be a cause for concern. But you should check with your pediatrician. Sometimes, failure to achieve head control is a sign of mental retardation or motor retardation. It can also be a symptom of cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or another neuromuscular disorder.
However, in most cases this is simply a short-term delay. All babies develop in their own way, and some babies acquire certain skills faster or slower than others.
If your baby seems to have difficulty lifting his head even a little at 3 months, bring this up with your doctor. Premature babies may hit this and other milestones later than their peers - ask your baby's doctor if you're concerned.
Once your baby has established good head control, he can move into sitting up, rolling over and crawling positions. Head control is also essential when swallowing solid foods and sitting in high chairs.
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Reference source: babycenter.com