Head Lift and Turn Practice

What you'll need

Baby lying on tummy on soft surface. Parent positioned in front of baby at eye level. Rattle or sound-making toy within reach. Room should be well-lit but not glaring. Baby should be in a calm, alert state.

How it works

1. 1~30s

   Let's start with tummy time. Gently place your child on their tummy, making sure their arms are forward for support. Now take your rattle and hold it about 8-10 inches from your child's face, right at eye level. Gently shake it and say something like 'Look here, your child!' Watch closely — does your child try to lift their head to see the toy? Even a tiny wobble or chin lift counts. Tell me what you notice.

   Watch for: Baby attempts to lift head while on tummy, showing early neck muscle engagement.

2. 2~35s

   Now let's give your child a little rest. Gently turn them onto their back. Hold the rattle about 10-12 inches above their chest, then slowly move it from left to right, making a gentle sound. Watch your child's head — does they follow the toy with their eyes? Does their head turn slightly in either direction? We're looking for any turning movement, even if it's just a partial turn.

   Watch for: Baby turns head from side to side while lying on back, showing neck flexibility and visual tracking.

3. 3~40s

   Let's return to tummy time for one more round. Place your child on their tummy again, but this time, move the rattle slowly from one side to the other, encouraging them to not just lift but also turn their head while lifted. Watch for two things: first, the head lift, and second, any attempt to follow the toy sideways. This combines both skills we've been practicing.

   Watch for: Baby demonstrates integrated head control — lifting and turning head while on tummy.

What this develops

• ◆Milestone
  Controlled Head Lowering in Prone

  Movementsecondary
• ◆Milestone
  Head Control (Pull-to-Sit, No Head Lag)

  Movementsecondary

Visual example