When can the baby keep his head straight?

It is only from three to four months that the baby has been able to keep his head straight for a few moments. To help him, it is useful to stimulate him with simple exercises

Anyone who finds himself in his arms a baby of a few weeks realizes it: up to a certain age, newborns do not have control of the head. Their head dangles back and forth with every slightest movement, so it must be supported and protected as much as possible. Don't worry: this is completely normal. Generally, it is about three months that the little one learns to keep his head straight, although, as always when it comes to children, the times may vary from case to case.

What happens in the first three months of life

In the first month of life, the baby cannot keep his head straight. At best, he can keep his neck raised for a few moments when lying on his stomach, but with his head always dangling. After two months, the baby gains better control of the neck, trunk and arm muscles. As explained by the experts of the Bambino Gesù pediatric hospital in Rome, at this age the baby, if kept in a sitting position, staggers with his head but manages to keep it straight for a few moments. Also, when he is on his stomach, he lifts his head off the table and holds himself on his forearms. Finally, it follows up to 180 ° a large object that moves close to the head.

At three months the "jump" takes place

At about three months, the baby is able to keep his head straight for a few minutes at a time, both when he is in his arms and when he is on his stomach. It also manages to turn its head completely to follow a nearby object. When on his stomach he extends his head from 45 ° to 90 °. Typically, at four and a half months, she has absolute control of her head, no matter what position she is in.

Gymnastics that strengthen the muscles

To help the baby keep his head straight, mom and dad can stimulate him with some simple exercises. When he is awake, they can lay him on his stomach on a cot, changing table, play mat or mat and stand in front of him to get his attention. It is, in fact, a position that helps the neck muscles to strengthen and therefore allows the baby to keep his head straight. The ideal is to do it two or three times a day, for a few minutes, from the first weeks of life. Remember, however, that when the baby is asleep, the prone position can be dangerous. To tone the muscles of the neck and back, it is also good to lay the baby on his back and grab his hands by lifting him gently. Again, repeat the exercise two to three times for a few minutes a day.

Advice!

If at three to four months, the baby is able to keep his head straight, you have to wait between the fifth and sixth month to see him sit for a few seconds without leaning. During the sixth month he learns to sit well and is ready for the high chair.

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