What should your baby be able to do

0-4 weeks:

  • Your baby should be lifting their head briefly when lying on their tummy and holding their head ‘straight’ when lying on their back
  • They should be moving both arms and legs equally well
  • They should be grabbing onto things that touch their hand, such as your finger

1-3 months:

  • Your baby should be holding their head up a little (45 degrees) when on their tummy
  • They should be taking a little of their weight briefly on their feet when carefully held
  • By 3 months your baby should be able to hold a small rattle briefly and put their hands together

How you can help

Short periods of supervised play will provide your baby with the opportunity to discover how their body works.

  • Choose a time when they are settled and calm
  • Minimise the noise in the room so they can focus on the activity
  • Different muscles work in different positions so vary the positions that you lie your baby in. Click here to download a PDF with more information

Ideas to support early movement

APCP Website

Head shape concerns

When your baby is born, labour often causes their head to be pointy or elongated for a short time. This is normal and settles within the first few weeks after birth.

If you have noticed that your baby is developing a flat spot on the back or side of his head, it could be due to a head turning preference and a sign of plagiocephaly.

The APCP advice leaflet gives you more information around this and tips to help.

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