Shortly after birth, your baby learns to lift his head using his neck muscles. Your baby needs strong muscles and lots of practice time to keep developing his neck muscles. Judy Towne Jennings, a physical therapist with the American Physical Therapy Association, cautions that infants who spend too little time on their stomachs can experience motor delays. You can help your infant build neck support by providing more tummy time, starting right after birth, and incorporating neck-strengthening exercises into daily activities.
Face to Face
Lie on your back and place your baby stomach down on your chest with her face near your face. This position encourages your baby to raise her head so she can see you. As she lifts her head, gently turn her head left and right a little. Place a small pillow under your baby's chest to provide more support and to help her lift and center her head.
Floor Play
Place your infant face down on the floor and distribute toys in front of him and to his sides to encourage him to turn his head and reach. Get on the floor face-to-face with him shake a rattle over his head to encourage him to look up. Help him to use his elbows to push himself up or lift his head to see you. Soon, your baby will begin to use his arms to prop himself up.
Left and Right
While carrying your baby, you can help her improve her neck support. Help her look left and right by changing her position. Alternate the hip she straddles when you are carrying her. Carry her so that she is looking over your shoulder and switch shoulders to encourage head movement in both directions. Hold your baby in front of you, her back against your stomach, so she is free to look around. Support her head gently until she is strong enough to need less support.
Sitting Up
Sit your baby on your lap facing you. Support his back and head with your hands or sit on the floor and use your raised knees to support him. Keep his head centered and protect him from falling to the side if you are supporting him with your knees. Encourage him to raise his head and hold it centered. Use toys and sound to get his attention. Gently turn his head side to side.
Tips
Encourage your baby to turn his head when he is lying on his back by placing mobiles and toys to his left and right. Change the side of the body on which your baby lies, even if he seems to prefer one side to the other.
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