Question
The baby is now four months old and has never been placed on his or her stomach or practiced lifting the head. When placed on his or her stomach, the baby’s head is tilted and cannot be lifted. What should be the standard for a four-month-old baby’s head-raising ability?
Answer
If the baby continues to exhibit the following symptoms: soft body, reduced spontaneous movements, stiff body, slow response, no reaction to calling name, abnormal head circumference, poor weight gain, weak breastfeeding, rigid posture, no smiling, clenched fists, body twisting, unstable head, squinting, inability to reach and grasp objects, and concentration on hands, it is recommended to take the baby to a doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms may be related to cerebral palsy. For a four-month-old baby, it is normal to be able to lift and stabilize the head.