Question
A two-and-a-half-month-old male infant is unable to lift his head and has a relatively soft body. However, the parents have noticed that the child is often held upright, and they are worried that this may be harmful to the baby’s health. When is it appropriate for a baby to adopt an upright holding position?
Answer
Since a baby’s spinal development is not yet mature, it is recommended to primarily use a flat holding position. Generally, babies over three months old are more suitable for an upright holding position, as their spinal development is more complete at this stage. However, each baby’s development is different, and parents should make holding choices based on their child’s physical condition. If an upright hold is necessary, it should be noted that the duration should not be too long, and it is best to consider an upright hold after the baby is three months old.