Head control is a baby's ability to hold their head steady without it wobbling or flopping. It builds gradually from birth, and the CDC lists holding the head steady without support when held as a milestone by 4 months.
Key takeaways
- Newborns need full head and neck support.
- Tummy time is the main way babies build neck strength.
- Good head control is needed before sitting and starting solids.
What you can do
- Offer short sessions of tummy time several times a day.
- Support your baby's head when you lift or carry them in the early weeks.
When to talk to your doctor
Talk to your doctor if your baby cannot hold their head steady when held upright by about 4 months, or if their body feels very floppy or stiff.
