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REWARD
Session 03:
Neck & Head Control
 NECK & HEAD CONTROL
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When does baby hold her head up in a controlled manner?
● At around 6 months baby will have developed strong neck muscles and will be able to
hold her head upright in a controlled manner, and turn her head from side to side.

How does baby develop head control?

● At birth baby’s neck muscles are weak, and for the next few months she will need to
have her head and neck supported when held.
● When she is 1 - 2 months old, she will be able to briefly lift her head during tummy time
and will start to turn her head from side to side.
● Around 2 months she will be able to raise her head while lying on her back.
● Between 3 - 4 months she will have more head control, lifting her head while on her
tummy.
● At 5 - 6 months she should have steady head control.

What is the next gross motor milestone after head control?

● After head control, baby will roll, then sit up and then crawl.
● Baby needs head control before she can start eating solids.

What must be done to help baby develop head control?

● Support baby’s head and neck until she has head control.
● Let her have lots of tummy time to develop head control and strong neck muscles.
● Put toys in front of baby’s face near her chin, so she lifts her head to look down at the
toy.
● Put baby in front of a mobile while lying on her tummy, so she can look up.
● Use colourful toys or objects and let baby track these with her eyes, turning her head.
● Place toys to the side of baby so she turns to look at them.
● Baby sit-ups are a fun way to develop her neck muscles.
● Play peek-a-boo and approach baby from either side.
● Use a rattle and let baby turn her head to follow the sound.
● Place baby in a sitting position or on your lap so she can look around, turning her head.

Why is head control important?

● The head leads all movement and is critical for all other movement development.
● Baby will not be able to roll, sit, crawl on all fours or walk without head control.
● Head control also impacts eating solids, as baby will not be able to chew and swallow
without head control.
● Head control is needed for vision development, as baby will not be able to focus and
develop her sight properly if her head is wobbly and bobbing about.

Adapted from Baby Centre: ​http://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6579/developmental-milestones-head-control

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 ADDITIONAL NECK & HEAD CONTROL RESOURCES
You can learn more about Head Control here:

● India Parenting – ​Developmental milestones: Head Control in Babies

● Balance Art Studio – ​Head Leads and Body Follows