When Babies Start Holding Their Heads Up?

The following tips may be helpful to babies who are still learning how to hold their heads up.

• Offer your baby tummy time throughout the day, even if they have not mastered head control yet. Tummy time is important because it helps strengthen neck muscles and teaches babies where their body ends–which becomes important for crawling! However, be sure that you are always there to watch your baby. This is not a time for them to entertain themselves because babies that young are still developing the ability to lift their heads.
• If you notice that your baby’s head drops when he or she is awake, it may be helpful to put some tiny toys on the floor in front of them to hold their attention. However, be sure not to leave your baby alone with any toys or they may roll onto something that is unsafe and choke on it.
• Be very careful when holding your baby upright for extended periods of time–like during a shower or bath. Babies are still developing the ability to control their heads and body, so they may start to lose their balance or lean over too far.
• If you are breastfeeding your baby, be sure that he or she does not lie flat on his back while feeding. This puts a lot of pressure on the neck muscles and can make it more difficult for him or her to hold up the head later on.
• Try not to carry your baby around by supporting his or her entire body weight with one hand under the armpits. This puts a strain on neck muscles and can make it more difficult for him or her to hold up their head later on.
• When you are holding your baby, be sure that he or she is facing outwards. This will help strengthen neck muscles and make it easier for your baby to learn how to hold up her head on his or her own.
• If you notice that your baby’s chin falls when he or she is sleeping, try putting a small rolled washcloth under the back of their neck while they are in this position so that their chin is up. This will make it easier to learn how to hold their head on their own when they wake up!
• Try not to turn your baby’s head sideways while she or he is sleeping because this can put a lot of strain on the neck muscles and make them more difficult for him or her to control later. 
• If you are wearing your baby in a carrier, be sure to avoid carrying them with their head turned sideways for extended periods of time. Instead, wear them facing outwards so it will be easier for them to learn how to hold their head up.
• If your baby is still not holding his or her own head yet, be sure that they are not wearing a tight hat or scarf which can restrict blood flow and make it more difficult for him or her to develop muscles in the neck. Instead, choose something looser like a thin bandana or a light scarf.