Head Control

Is Your Baby Struggling to Hold Their Head Up?

Head control is one of the first important motor milestones babies develop. It forms the foundation for future skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, and walking.

Most babies develop increasing head control during the first few months of life. By around 3 to 4 months, babies should be able to lift and hold their head up during tummy time and have improved head control when being carried or supported in sitting.

Common Signs of Poor Head Control

  • Difficulty lifting the head during tummy time

  • Head lag when pulled to sit

  • Frequently resting the head on the floor during tummy time

  • Difficulty maintaining head position when carried upright

  • Delayed rolling or other motor milestones

  • Preference for lying down rather than looking around and exploring

Why Does Head Control Matter?

Head control helps babies interact with their environment and is an important building block for future motor development. Tummy time and floor play help strengthen the neck, shoulder, and trunk muscles needed for rolling, sitting, crawling, standing, and walking.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

At Babies on the Move, we assess your baby's:

  • Head and neck strength/weakness

  • Muscle tone

  • Movement patterns

  • Gross motor development

We then provide practical, play-based strategies to encourage strength, postural control, and age-appropriate motor development. Our home-based sessions focus on integrating therapy into your baby's everyday routine.

When Should I Seek Advice?

If your baby is struggling with head control, dislikes tummy time, has significant head lag, or you have concerns about their development, it is worth discussing these concerns with your GP, Child Health Nurse, or physiotherapist.

Early assessment can provide reassurance, identify any underlying concerns, and support your baby's development during this important stage of growth.

Helpful Resources

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network – Baby Development Milestones
A trusted NSW Health resource outlining developmental milestones from birth onwards.

https://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/kids-health-hub/growth-and-development/babies/milestones

Raising Children Network – Baby Development
Australian Government-supported information about baby development and milestones.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/babies/development

Every baby develops at their own pace—we're here to support the journey.

References

Sydney Children's Hospitals Network. Development in Babies (0–12 Months) and Baby Development Milestones.

Raising Children Network. Baby Development: 0–12 Months and Baby Development at 3–4 Months.

Healthdirect Australia. Developmental Milestones in Babies and Children.