Exercises for Infants to Build Neck Support

When your baby comes into the world, his neck muscles can't yet support the weight of his head. It generally takes a month or two for this to develop. In the meantime, give your baby a leg up with several techniques to increase neck muscle strength.

  1. Tummy Time

    • Lay your baby on the floor for 10 to 15 minutes per day. Instinctively, he will attempt to move his head in the direction of new sounds or to look at different colors in his environment. You can help by speaking to him just beyond his field of vision, or by gently shaking a rattle. Gradually, his neck strength will improve and he can lift his head higher and for longer periods.

      Some babies do not tolerate laying on the floor well. If this is the case, you can also lay your baby on your chest, on your lap or anywhere else as long as he is lying on his stomach. Make sure he is comfortable, fed and in a clean diaper before attempting this exercise.

    Pull Him Up By His Arms

    • To help strengthen his neck muscles and his arms, grasp his arms and pull him slowly into a sitting position. This will encourage him to keep his head aligned with his body. It will also strengthen his arms as he attempts to resist the pulling. Be careful, however, that you do not pull him up too quickly, because this may strain his neck, shoulders or wrists.

    Neck Stretches

    • You can encourage neck muscle development further by performing neck stretches. Simply turn your baby's head to each side until it touches the shoulder. You can also touch each ear to his shoulder. This should keep his neck muscles loose. Be careful not to force his neck to turn if you meet resistance.

    When To See a Doctor

    • Neck strength, and your baby's ability to hold his head up, develops differently for each infant. Generally, if your baby does not hold his head up by three to four months of age, a visit with your pediatrician is warranted.

      Also talk to your doctor if your baby's neck seems overly stiff or if you can't perform the neck stretches because of stiffness. He may prescribe physical therapy or special exercises to do at home.

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