6-month baby neck not stable

When can babies hold their head up?

Learning to hold their head up is a process that can last until your baby is 6 months old.

Newborn lifting head at 1 week

Your baby will develop this crucial skill little by little over the months.

At birth, your newborn can't control their head because their motor skills aren't developed and their neck muscles are weak. For the first few months, you'll need to cradle your baby's neck and head when you lift them, hold them, carry them, or put them down.

(For guidance, see our video on how to carry a newborn.)

Here's a timeline of how your baby will master holding their head up:

Newborn

Your baby will rely on you to support their head and neck for at least the first month.

Perhaps it's nature's way of making sure you have lots of time to gaze into each other's eyes and bond as you cradle your baby in your arms.

1 to 2 months

By the end of the first month, your baby will likely be able to lift their head briefly and turn it from side to side when lying on t

when should babies hold their own head up

when can babies support their own head nhs