When Do Babies Start Lifting Their Heads?

Although many parents worry about when their babies will be able to lift their heads, be patient and wait. When do babies start lifting their heads? The natural processes or physical development should not be accelerated. 

First of all, we need to remember that babies are fragile and delicate. At birth, their muscles still do not have enough strength to perform movements or keep their limbs up. Therefore, their actions are limited and uncoordinated.

During their first year of life, children are immersed in a process of incessant basic development. This covers various systems in their body and of course includes the nervous system and motor development.

As the months go by, babies learn to control their bodies better as their muscles gain size, strength and endurance.

When do babies start lifting their heads?

A child’s motor development begins precisely when the muscles allow the child to hold his head up. This generally begins to manifest from the fourth month of life.

However, it should always be borne in mind that growth parameters can vary without posing a problem for babies.

Before the baby becomes 3 or 4 months old, the baby may try to lift its head and hold it in that position, but cannot achieve it for more than a few seconds.

During these months, the baby begins to make this movement by mere reflexes and moves towards more conscious and permanent actions.

Once the baby masters these skills, the baby’s development will continue through the shoulder and back muscles, which will be responsible for letting the baby sit.

Later, the baby’s limbs will be strengthened. This is the necessary requirement for the baby to learn and walk.

In summary, the movements that the baby learns over time come in the following order:

• First month : Controlling the direction of the head to see things.
• Second and third month : Gain control of the body and extremities, but without controlling them in a coordinated way.
• Fourth to sixth month : This is when the baby usually learns to hold his head high.
• Sixth month onwards : The baby’s movements begin to be more intentional, and as the baby gains strength, the baby learns to move in its own ways. First the baby crawls, and then the baby walks.

Can I help babies lift their heads?

Although parents cannot accelerate the process, in some cases they can help their babies with adequate physical development through certain measures. These range from gently carrying them to performing some gentle exercises.

Over time, their muscles will develop and have the necessary strength to support different parts of the body.

The best thing to do when babies are around 6 to 8 months old is to let them lie on their tummy. In this way, in order to explore their surroundings, they will try to lift their heads on their own and thus strengthen their muscles little by little.

Another little exercise is to lay babies down and hold them by their hands and be careful to help them sit up. But it is very important: make sure you do not do too much to perform this action.

What if they do not?

Some babies may have some delay in their motor development without it posing a major problem.

However, if your baby reaches 3 to 4 months of life and you think the baby has not developed as the baby should in this aspect, consult your pediatrician.

Things to consider

Until babies can fully control their movements, you should pay attention to their movements. You should also take certain measures, such as to avoid sudden movements and avoid letting their head hang if they cannot support it.

Also, be careful with bush suits, walking chairs and all kinds of toys that involve movements for which they may not be prepared. To prevent unnecessary damage or complications, be very careful and support their head until they are in control.

When babies learn to lift their heads and keep their heads upright, they will soon show off other advances in no time. Their curiosity about moving and exploring the world will increase.

In a few months, they will probably start trying to crawl. Accompany them and take care of them in this wonderful stage of life!