Your baby's neck muscles are fairly weak at birth. For the first few months, she'll rely on you using your hand to support her head and neck when you hold her. Perhaps it's nature's way of ensuring you have lots of face-to-face interaction. As you cradle her in your arms, enjoy the chance to gaze into her eyes. It'll help you bond and make her feel loved.
One month to two months
By the end of your baby's first month, she may be able to lift her head briefly when she's lying on her tummy (NHS nd, Sheridan 2008: 6). She may also turn it from side to side.
At around six to eight weeks, she may be able to raise her head when she's lying on her back. When you hold her on your shoulder, she may have enough control to hold her head up shakily, but not for long. Right now, you can put her in her bouncy seat and she'll enjoy watching the world go by.
Your baby will also be strong enough to hold upa her head in a car seat or sling. You may find she's still too wobbly for a lightweight stroller or a backpack. Wait to use these until she can hold her head up steadily without any support from you, probably at about six months.
Three months to four months
You'll notice a definite improvement in your baby's head control by this time. She's able to raise her head up 45 degrees from the floor while lying on her tummy, and keep it steady (Sheridan 2008: 9, 58).
Try a fun game that will help to develop your baby's neck muscles. Put your baby on her back on the floor, and slowly pull her up by her hands to a sitting position. Slowly ease her back down, and repeat. She should be able to hold her head more or less in line with the rest of her body as you pull her up (Scott 2010, Sheridan 2008: 9, 58).
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