During a well-baby visit, a mother asks when her infant will hold his head steady while being held upright. By what age should a term baby achieve complete head control (neck holding) in the supported sitting position?

• A 6 weeks
• B 2 months
• C 6 months
• D 3 months ✓

Explanation

Complete head control in the upright position is achieved by about 3 months of age. At 6 to 8 weeks the head is still momentarily unsteady, and by 3 months there is no head lag on pulling to sit. Persistent head lag beyond 4 to 6 months is an important early sign of hypotonia or cerebral palsy. Six months corresponds to sitting without support, a later gross motor milestone.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 9th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.