Head control refers to the ability to keep the head steady against the ever present downward pull of gravity. 

When lying on the back we the neck muscle must work to steady the head in the midline, especially when moving the arms and legs.

Babies learn to do this by 3-4 months 

The muscles of the neck must also be strong enough to lift and steady the head when the baby is lifted up and held upright. From 3-4 months of age babies support their heads when they are pulled up to sitting, and when they are held upright. 

From 2-3 months babies also learn to when lying face down supporting on the arms, the muscles at the back of the neck work to lift the head against gravity. 

When the trunk is upright the muscles of the neck cooperate to hold the head steady and balanced on trunk with the face vertical. 

When held in sitting, if the trunk is tilted forwards the muscles at the back of the neck (known as the neck extensors) work to tip the head backwards and keep the face vertical.

When the trunk is tilted backwards the neck flexors (the muscles in the front of the neck) work to right the head and stop it from falling backwards. 

When the chest is tilted sideways the neck flexors and extensors on one side of the neck work to tilt the head in the opposite direction keeping it as close to vertical as possible. 

How to help your child improve head control for sitting 

Head control requires strong neck muscles on the one hand, and also needs effective postural control to keep the head upright and steady and to respond to changes in the alignment of the trunk. 

A useful way to approach improving head control for sitting is to encourage the child to be more active a variety of different activities that require the neck muscles to be active in order to stabilise and move the head. 

Suggested activities 

Lying on the back on a sloping surface and reaching for, grasping and moving and shaking  toys. 

Encouraging lying on the tummy, supporting on the forearms with a folder towel to lift the chest up off support surface.  

Sitting on a care givers lap and encouraging reaching in different directions.

Sitting with support around the chest and encouraging the child reach in different directions

The level of support needs to be adjusted to allow the child to successfully keep the head erect.