What should your baby be able to do

0-4 weeks:

  • Your baby should be lifting their head briefly when lying on their tummy and holding their head ‘straight’ when lying on their back
  • They should be moving both arms and legs equally well
  • They should be grabbing onto things that touch their hand, such as your finger

1-3 months:

  • Your baby should be holding their head up a little (45 degrees) when on their tummy
  • They should be taking a little of their weight briefly on their feet when carefully held
  • By 3 months your baby should be able to hold a small rattle briefly and put their hands together

How you can help

Short periods of supervised play will provide your baby with the opportunity to discover how their body works.

  • Choose a time when they are settled and calm
  • Minimise the noise in the room so they can focus on the activity
  • Different muscles work in different positions so vary the positions that you lie your baby in. Click here to download a PDF with more information

Head shape concerns

When your baby is born, labour often causes their head to be pointy or elongated for a short time. This is normal and settles within the first few weeks after birth.

If you have noticed that your baby is developing a flat spot on the back or side of his head, it could be due to a head turning preference and a sign of plagiocephaly.

The APCP advice leaflet, click on link to the leaflet gives you more information around this and tips to help. If you are concerned and feel this is not improving please click on the link at the bottom of the page to refer your child to physiotherapy for advice.

What should your baby be able to do

0-4 weeks:

  • Gaze at your face for short bursts of time and then look away when they need too. Try these games!

1-3 months:

  • Smile at the main caregiver – this is usually around 6 weeks
  • Begin to make some sounds with their ‘voice.’ Babies love hearing you making sounds from the moment their born

How you can help

You can find hints, tips and advice on supporting your baby’s communication and interaction at:

If you have any concerns about your child's development please click on this link to refer your child into the service, you will then receive a telephone call from a member of the team to discuss your concerns further and organise an assessment as appropriate.