Although your baby makes you smile and laugh more than ever before, you never quite anticipated how tired your arms would get from holding them up day in, day out! They’re only little, but they already weigh rather a lot, and of course, one hand is pretty much always elevated to support that tiny head of theirs. Yes, you’ll probably have some big biceps to show off soon, but you can’t help wondering, when will my baby be able to hold their own head up, making holding them a little easier?

When will my baby be able to hold their head up on their own?

By the time your baby reaches the 3-month mark, they should be able to hold their head up while you’re holding them or when they’re supported in a sitting position. But once they reach 6 months, they should have pretty much full control of their head, turning it from side to side without any support.

So how exactly do they get to this stage?

What are the head control milestones?

During their first month, when they’re not lying down, your baby will need your constant support against their neck and head. But even by the end of the first month, you may notice that when they’re lying down they can turn their head very slightly before it falls back to its natural position.

But as they head into their third month, when lying on their tummy they’ll begin to raise their head as though doing a push-up. Their neck and head muscles will get stronger and stronger, and so, by the time they’re 4 months old, they should manage to hold their head up pretty well without any support from you.

And finally, over months 5 and 6, they’ll get to a point of confidence and strength that allows them to hold their head up when they’re upright, and not just when sitting.

But will they learn this on their own or do they need help?

How can I help my baby learn to hold their head up?

You don’t have to do a whole lot when it comes to encouraging your baby to hold their head up, though you will need to offer plenty of head support in the first few months.

That being said, engaging them in lots of tummy time will help to build up the muscles in their neck, head and upper body. Keep tummy time intervals short to begin with so your baby has time to get used to the new sensation and perspective, and then, once they’re comfortable and ready (around 3 months), you can begin encouraging them to lift and move their head by placing exciting toys in their line of vision or making funny noises nearby.

When can my baby hold their head up?

From our Baby Development Journey, we share when you can expect to see your baby hold their head up.