Pediatric Exercises

Head Control Exercises

Head control exercises help infants lift and steady their head in different positions. Head control is the first motor milestone and underpins sitting, feeding and vision.

What it does

Neck and trunk strength develop through play in different positions. Children with low tone or neurological conditions may need extra practice.

You will often see it in our programmes for down syndrome, torticollis and cerebral palsy, and it features in our pediatric physiotherapy programmes.

How to do it

  1. Tummy time with toys at eye level.
  2. Supported sitting on your lap, facing you, while you talk and sing.
  3. Pull to sit: holding the baby's forearms, gently bring them from lying to sitting, watching that the head follows.
  4. Side-lying play to encourage turning.

How much

Several short sessions daily, as part of play.

Stop and check with us if

  • Head lag persists beyond around 4 months, or head control seems to be lost.

Medical note

These instructions are general guidance, not a personal prescription. If you have a recent injury or surgery, a diagnosed condition, or symptoms such as numbness, weakness or dizziness, get assessed before starting. Stop and seek advice if pain increases sharply or you feel unwell.

Frequently asked questions

When should a baby hold their head steady?
Most babies have good head control by around 4 months.
My baby prefers turning one way. Is that a problem?
Persistent preference needs checking for torticollis.

Ready to feel better?

Book an assessment at our Indirapuram clinic or ask for a home visit. Call +91-9999973681 or send a WhatsApp message and we will confirm your slot.