Your 'head strong' baby is defying gravity!
Your baby's movement abilities are rapidly growing, particularly in the spine and neck area. They've progressed from reflex-based movements to having more control over their body and making more deliberate moves while playing. Your baby may also be enjoying tummy time, which enables them to strengthen their spine and neck muscles while also offering them more control over their head movements.
Heads up (and down, and around)
Tummy time is a good all-round activity and your baby may be growing more and more comfortable playing in this position. During tummy time, your baby is defying gravity by being able to lift their head. They can do this because the muscles in their neck are now developing, so they may move their head upwards and downwards, as well as rotate their neck.
Head movement develops before other motor skills at this stage, and tummy time supports these developing movements. Development of head control is also important for the development of later motor skills, such as reaching, sitting and walking.[1]
Seeing more, doing more
As well as your baby developing more strength in their muscles, they will have increased visual abilities; that means that they can track movement and follow things that interest them with their eyes. They will also be starting to be able to see objects and people that are further away and focus on things that engage them, like favourite toys, in more detail.[2]
What can you look out for over the weeks and months ahead?
Your baby will continue to build strength in their neck, and will be able to hold their head up for longer periods. As they continue to hold their head up, the movements will become more controlled and their head will become much steadier. As strength builds in your baby’s neck and upper body, they may well start to show signs of trying to roll over while playing on their tummy.
References:
[1] Carolina Daniel de Lima-Alvarez, Eloisa Tudella, John van der Kamp & Geert J. P. Savelsbergh (2014) Early Development of Head Movements Between Birth and 4 Months of Age: A Longitudinal Study, Journal of Motor Behavior. 46:6, pp.415-422, DOI: 10.1080/00222895.2014.929562
[2] Shankar, S., Robertson, B-A., & Bobier, W.R. (2007). Parent/Caregive Narrative: Vision Development (0 - 6 Months). In L.M. Phillips (Ed.), Handbook of language and literacy development: A Roadmap from 0 - 60 Months. [online], pp. 1 - 5. London, ON: Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network. Available at: Handbook of language and literacy development.