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Why is my son unable to hold his head up?

Dr Satish Saluja
Consultant Neonatologist,
Sir Ganga Ram Hospital,
New Delhi

Q: My 4.5 months old son does not roll over. He sometimes rolls over from his back to tummy but not from tummy to back. Is this normal? Also he sits with support but is not able to hold his head up for long? When will he start sitting without support?

A:Usually infants develop complete head control by 3 - 5 months and rolling over develops by 5 - 6 months. They would then start sitting by the age of 6 - 8 months. However, if you feel your baby does not have any head control at all, you should see a developmental paediatrician to assess for the muscle tone and certain exercises would help.