Observe whether the child: holds head up while lying face down
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Your baby is beginning to lift or steady their head during tummy time, but it may be brief, wobbly, or easier with your encouragement.
What you might see
During tummy time, your baby lifts their head and keeps it up for a short, clear moment without you holding it for them.
What you might see
Your baby lifts and holds their head during different tummy-time moments and may turn or look around while staying steady.
What you might see
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
During supervised tummy time, watch whether your baby lifts and holds their head.
Place yourself in front of your baby and speak softly, then notice whether they raise their head to look toward you.
Notice how long they can keep their head up before resting.
The dataset source and any supporting developmental research.
Stenhaug, B., Ram, N., & Frank, M. C. (2021). The Stanford SHQ: A measure of early developmental milestones.
The SHQ item asks parents to observe head lifting and holding while the child is lying face down.
Bayley, N., & Aylward, G. P. (2019). Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (4th ed.). Pearson.
Early gross motor measures commonly track prone head lifting and head control as foundations for later postural development.