Your baby will flex his limbs toward his body, which will remain curled up for several weeks as he gradually straightens out of the fetal position. His head will be very floppy at first, but you will notice that he turns it to his preferred side when lying down. Always support his head and neck when lifting him.
1 month
Your baby will be able to lift his head slightly for a few seconds and will have lost his very newborn appearance. If you raise your baby from the mattress he may be able to keep his head in line with his body for a second or two. His knees and hips will become stronger and will begin to straighten even more.
2 months
Your baby can hold his head up for longer now. In a prone position, he’ll hold his head in line with his body and will quickly develop to raising his face from the mattress to an angle of 45˚.
3 months
Your baby can now lie quite flat and take the weight of his shoulders and head on outstretched arms. There is little head lag when he is held in a sitting or standing position.
4 months
Your baby now concentrates on learning to sit up unsupported. Her head control continues to increase and she turns to the left and right when her attention is caught. She can support her chest and head weight on her forearms when lying prone, raise both legs off the mattress, and rock from side to side. She learns to roll over in whichever direction she chooses.
5 months
Your baby has full head control even when propped in a sitting position. He may be able to take the full weight of his head, shoulders, and chest on outstretched hands. His rocking movements become stronger.
6 months
As your baby’s limbs become stronger, he can take a lot of his weight on his arms. He’ll sit with his hands forward for support and hold his hands out to you when he wants to be lifted. He may even sit unsupported for a few seconds. If you gently bounce your baby up and down with his feet on your lap, he can take some of his own weight with his leg muscles.
