Birth–11 monthsFine Motor SkillsPhysical Development: Moving and Handling
Gradually develops ability to hold up own head.
Observe whether the child: gradually develops ability to hold up own head.
What it looks like
Three ways this behaviour shows up as a child grows. Each level includes everyday moments to watch for.
Emerging
Just starting
Infant briefly lifts or turns head, especially when lying on tummy or when upright with full support, but head control is wobbly and short-lived. They may fatigue quickly and drop their head.
What you might see
When held upright against an adult’s chest, head consistently flops forward/sideways without a brief self-correction.
During supervised tummy time, keeps face down or cheek on the mat with no attempt to lift.
Needs a hand behind the head at all times to prevent head drop.
Lifts head off the mat for 1–2 seconds during tummy time, then drops it.
Turns head slightly toward a voice while being held, but movement is shaky and brief.
Holds head midline for a moment when upright, then head bobs forward.
Expected
On track
Infant holds head up for short periods in supported positions (upright hold, tummy time) with fewer head lolls. They can turn head to track a face or toy for a few seconds.
What you might see
In tummy time, lifts head and looks forward for several seconds before resting.
When upright with support, keeps head up while looking at a caregiver’s face for 5–10 seconds.
Turns head side-to-side to follow a slowly moved toy while supported.
Exceeding
Going further
Infant holds head steady in supported sitting/upright positions and lifts head during tummy time with clear control. They keep head aligned for longer spans and turn smoothly to look around.
What you might see
During tummy time, lifts head and upper chest enough to look around, with steady control.
When supported sitting on a lap, keeps head upright without repeated bobbing.
Smoothly turns head toward a sound or person and holds gaze.
Maintains steady head control during transitions (e.g., being lifted from lying to upright) with minimal wobble.
Tracks a moving object across the room by turning head smoothly without losing head position.
Looks up/down intentionally (e.g., from a toy to a caregiver’s face) while maintaining head stability.
Try this at home
Small everyday moments where you can notice this behaviour without setting up anything special.
Tummy time (supervised): Place a high-contrast toy in front—notice whether your baby lifts and holds their head up to look at it, and for how long.
Carry time: When you hold your baby upright against your shoulder, watch whether their head stays steady or repeatedly lolls/bobs.
Nappy change: Pause after placing your baby on their back—do they turn their head smoothly toward your voice?
Play mat: Move a toy slowly left to right—observe if your baby can turn their head to follow without losing control.
After a feed: Sit your baby supported on your lap—notice whether they hold their head up to look at you for several seconds.
Connected behaviours
Behaviours that scaffold, follow, or co-emerge with this one.
The framework source and supporting developmental research.
Framework source
Development Matters in the EYFS (2012), Physical Development: Moving and Handling (birth–11 months).
Head control is a foundational observable for early postural stability that supports later reaching, sitting, and coordinated movement.
Developmental research
WHO Multicentre Growth Reference Study Group (2006). WHO Motor Development Study: Windows of achievement for six gross motor development milestones.
Normative motor development research includes early postural milestones that contextualize typical progression in head and trunk control.
Five-level rubric (detailed)ShowHide
The full progression underlying the three levels above. Used by the platform’s reasoning agent when planning activities and observations.
Not Yet
Infant shows little ability to lift or steady their head; head lolls when held upright and stays down during supervised tummy time. Head control is mostly supported by the adult.
When held upright against an adult’s chest, head consistently flops forward/sideways without a brief self-correction.
During supervised tummy time, keeps face down or cheek on the mat with no attempt to lift.
Needs a hand behind the head at all times to prevent head drop.
Emerging
Infant briefly lifts or turns head, especially when lying on tummy or when upright with full support, but head control is wobbly and short-lived. They may fatigue quickly and drop their head.
Lifts head off the mat for 1–2 seconds during tummy time, then drops it.
Turns head slightly toward a voice while being held, but movement is shaky and brief.
Holds head midline for a moment when upright, then head bobs forward.
Developing
Infant holds head up for short periods in supported positions (upright hold, tummy time) with fewer head lolls. They can turn head to track a face or toy for a few seconds.
In tummy time, lifts head and looks forward for several seconds before resting.
When upright with support, keeps head up while looking at a caregiver’s face for 5–10 seconds.
Turns head side-to-side to follow a slowly moved toy while supported.
Secure
Infant holds head steady in supported sitting/upright positions and lifts head during tummy time with clear control. They keep head aligned for longer spans and turn smoothly to look around.
During tummy time, lifts head and upper chest enough to look around, with steady control.
When supported sitting on a lap, keeps head upright without repeated bobbing.
Smoothly turns head toward a sound or person and holds gaze.
Reflexive
Infant maintains stable head control across everyday handling (being carried, transitions to sitting) and uses head movement purposefully to explore (looking down/up, tracking moving objects) without frequent wobble.
Maintains steady head control during transitions (e.g., being lifted from lying to upright) with minimal wobble.
Tracks a moving object across the room by turning head smoothly without losing head position.
Looks up/down intentionally (e.g., from a toy to a caregiver’s face) while maintaining head stability.
