Question
My baby is already 10 months old, and when they look at people, their head always tilts backward, sometimes even arches back. Is this normal?
Answer
Every child has their own developmental pace. Typically, by the time babies are 5 months old, they can hold their heads steadily when held in an upright position. When they are lying on their stomachs, they can lift their heads to form a 90-degree angle with their shoulders. It is recommended to wait until the baby is at least 3 months old before holding them vertically, as their necks are more flexible at this stage and holding them up too soon could cause injury. However, most babies, once they have tried being held vertically, prefer not to be held horizontally anymore. It is suggested to turn the baby to one side, with their back against the mother’s chest, rather than facing her directly. The mother can use one hand to cradle the baby’s body and the other hand to support the baby’s buttocks, providing ample support for the baby’s neck and spine.