My baby is 16 weeks now and cannot completely hold her head up and still. When placed on her tummy, she lifts it a little; however, she won't get up on her elbows to elevate herself. When we hold her in a sitting position, she does pretty well and can get it up there and hold it straight for awhile and then she will tire out and it will bounce around and then she can put it back by herself.

We are working with her to strengthen her neck muscles - pull ups, tummy time, sitting time, etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions? Also, (almost more importantly), was your baby not holding up their head by 16 weeks?

When my son was that age he was doing it about like you describe. He hated tummy time. Really a lot. I wouldn't worry too much about it. Your baby will get there when she is ready. My son didn't raise up on his elbows until he was six months or so. He got so while he was on his stomach he could turn his head at five months or so, but the elbows came later. I really wouldn't sweat it unless your pediatrician says to.

Yep, same thing here. My little one wasn't holding her head up well from the belly position for quite some time. Of course there were always the people who commented "she isn't doing that yet??" which freaked me out, but I realized quickly that all kids are different as far as when they do things. It seems like in a matter of weeks they can start doing things that you worry they are behind on. I wouldn't worry - just give your little one a bit more time and I bet she'll be mastering the head lift. ...and raising up on the elbows definitely took a while as well.

Thanks for the advice. When I put her on her tummy, she can lift her head, turn it from side to side; however, the books (and doctor) say that she should be able to lift her head to a 90 degree angle. I tried this myself and the only way I can do it is if I am up on my elbows or hands. She doesn't seem to want to put her hands down to lift up on. I try to show her and she gets frustrated with me.

I'm just worried and I wish I could know how to help her with this.

Dina

Remember that not all babies are the same. What they write on books are average guidelines. also keep in mind that your little one was a premie. When i go for Jeremy s check up they always take this into consideration.

Amy

Amy - I know. I always think...geesh, give her a little break okay? She was 5 weeks early. Even now, they no longer use the preemie growth charts with her. She is compared to others that were born at 40 weeks. Her weight came in at 22% and height at 70%, so these numbers are fine; however, I do think...come on....give her a break. She is doing better; however, still has tons more progress to make.

My mother claimed that I couldn't hold a sitting position at all, or crawl or do much of anything except eat and cry, until I was almost 6 months old. She was wondering if I was retarded. Then one day, I apparently discovered that my body could change its own position, and the next week, I was ahead of most babies my age. By 10 months, I was walking.