What time does the premature baby begin to hold their head confidently, lying on their stomachs

When the baby himself lying on his stomach raises his head

The newborn's neck muscles are not strong, andmovements are unconscious and he cannot control them. When picking up the baby, be sure to support the head, not allowing it to fall back and damage the cervical vertebrae.When a child starts to hold his head, it's easier for himget acquainted with the surrounding objects Photo: Getty Gradually the muscles are strengthened, the kid learns to control them. From the second week, start spreading it on your stomach, progress in development will be noticeable gradually:

Up to 1 month. The child tries to tear his head from the surface.
In 2 months. It is given for 30 seconds to raise the head at an acute angle.
On the 3rd month. The Kid, still lying on his stomach and leaning on his forearms, holds his head more firmly, tearing off the upper body. But the muscles are still weak, so the process needs to be controlled.
From 4 months. The nervous system became noticeably stronger, the movements became conscious. The child manages to turn over on his back. He holds his head firmly, turns it, studying the world around him.

These dates are approximate and do not take into accountthe child's individuality. A slight delay should not cause panic, and too early development can also be a deviation caused by increased intracranial pressure or other problems.

How to help a premature baby with a confident head

A noticeable delay in development is possible inborn with pathologies and having low birth weight. They require more attention, constant observation by a pediatrician. The development of their abilities largely depends on the help of their mother:

Attend a special massage. This will increase the tone of the neck muscles, helping to keep the head.
Watch for food. Perhaps, the child is weakened due to malnutrition, and in his diet will have to add the mixture.
Accustom to a crumb to lay on a tummy. Do this until feeding or an hour after it, gradually, starting at 1 minute and gradually increasing the time.
Exercise muscle strengthening exercises. Raise it, holding it under the chest and the legs face down, stack on the big ball.

Any activity will be enjoyable for the child himselfpleasure and will be useful for his development. The ability to hold the head is the first and important achievement. It strengthens the neck muscles and opens up new possibilities for learning.