Question
A parent is concerned about their four-month-old child’s poor head control and wants to know about the standards for baby’s gross motor development.
Answer
Baby’s gross motor development typically includes learning to lift the head between 3 and 4 months old, which is an important indicator of early gross motor development. The lifting of the head is demonstrated when, while being held upright, the baby’s head does not sway from side to side without support, or when lying on the stomach, the head can be raised 30 to 40 degrees and can turn from side to side with objects. During the 4 to 8-month period, some babies may learn to roll over as early as 4 months old, while others may not learn until 8 months old; these are all normal developmental differences. When a baby frequently lifts their legs, naturally leans to the side, and there are wriggling movements in the lower body, it indicates that the baby has begun to learn to roll over.