By what age should a term infant have complete head control with no head lag on pulling to sit?
- A 1 month
- B 3 months ✓
- C 6 months
- D 9 months
Correct answer: B. 3 months
Explanation
Head control progresses rapidly: brief head raising prone occurs by 1 month, steady head holding while held upright by 2 months, and complete head control with no head lag on traction by 3 months. Persistent head lag beyond 4 to 6 months is abnormal and is one of the earliest signs of cerebral palsy or generalized hypotonia.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.