At birth, it is impossible for baby to hold their head up on their own like a big kid. That is why it is very important to always carry them while supporting their head! When
Why can't baby hold their head up?
It is worth knowing that a baby is born with a head that represents more than one third of their total body weight. That is a lot of volume and very heavy for such a small body. Their muscles are underdeveloped and cannot hold their head up.
At the beginning of their life, baby has hypotonia: laxity along the axis of the head and spine. But also hypertonia: tone in their limbs (arms, legs…). As they grow, the trend will reverse so that they can lift their head :)
At what age does a baby hold their head up?
Early signs appear at 2 months when baby lifts their head, but it is only at 4 months that baby can hold it and look left and right.
Stages of development of baby's head control
The first month
Baby does not control their head and it falls back when you lift them. It is very important to support it.
At 2 months
Their head still falls back when you lift them, but not completely — they are a little more toned.
Around 4 months
Baby controls their head much better and can hold it up to look in all directions when you hold them in your arms. So it is around 4 months that baby holds their head up!
Around 6 months
Baby is a champion at holding their head up — they lift it naturally and hold it like a big kid :)
From what age does a baby's neck become strong?
This is obviously different for every baby and there is no need to worry if the head control milestone comes a little later for your baby :) but it is generally assumed that from 6 months, baby should be controlling their head well with a strong little neck.
When should you stop supporting baby's head?
From 4 months, when baby is able to lift their head, hold it up, and raise their chest when lying on their tummy. You will be able to breathe a little and let them carry their own head!
That does not mean you should swing their head from left to right or up and down without care.
How to help baby gain better head control?
Put baby on their tummy! If you do this for a few minutes every day, it will gradually strengthen the muscles of their neck and back to make them more toned.
They will want to move their head to look at you or at the toy you are shaking in front of them.
Head support and babywearing
When baby holds their head up, you will be able to opt for more carrying positions. During the first months of baby's life, we recommend front carrying, which best supports baby's head. It is only when baby can hold their head up on their own and sit upright that we recommend moving to back/hip carrying for greater freedom. Other factors should obviously be taken into account.
See: When to carry baby on the back or on the hip?
Every baby has their own pace, so don't worry if they can't hold their head up at exactly 4 months! However, if you are too worried, consult your pediatrician who will be able to assess baby's healthy psychomotor development.
Babywearing with a baby wrap is strongly recommended for the healthy psychomotor development of your child as well as for the attachment bond.