Question
When can a baby start being held upright?
Answer
Babies can begin to be held upright at around 3 months old, provided their head control is stable. Holding the head up is a key indicator of gross motor development. For instance, by 3 months of age, a baby should be able to lift their head 45° while lying on their stomach, and by 4 months, they should be able to lift it 90°. If a baby cannot hold their head up stably at 3 months old, or if they exhibit a backward tilt of the head or a straightened body posture, especially if there were high-risk factors at birth such as prematurity, low birth weight, or hypoxia, it is advisable to take the baby to a pediatric rehabilitation department for an examination and receive necessary early intervention and rehabilitation treatment.