My First Head Lift
Try three cozy ways to help your baby lift their head—lying on your chest, across your arm, or on your lap—while they enjoy your touch and attention.
- 2 months
- No prep needed
- At home
- About 5 minutes
Developmental benefits
- Movement：Practicing tummy time in different positions gives your baby opportunities to lift their head and build neck strength through repeated attempts.
- Social/Emotional：Your touch, eye contact, and gentle responses encourage your baby to lift their head to look at you, making practice feel warm and engaging.
Preparation
What You’ll Need
Step 1
Lift Your Head on My Chest
Lean back and place your baby tummy-down on your chest. Call to them gently and wait for them to try lifting their head. When they look up at you, smile, make eye contact, and offer warm encouragement. Your closeness and attention can make them want to look up again.
What to notice
- Looks at you and smiles during eye contact
Relationships with Adults - Lifts their head toward you when they hear your voice
Attending and Understanding
Tips
- Your gaze, expression, and tone show your baby that they are seen and loved. Feeling warm and secure can make them more willing to lift their head and look toward you.
- Let your baby’s skin rest directly against your chest or arm. Skin-to-skin contact can support bonding and connection.
- Two-month-old babies tire easily and may lift their head only briefly. Go slowly and practice while your baby is relaxed and content.
Step 2
Lift Your Head on My Arm
Lie on your side and rest your baby’s upper body tummy-down across your arm for steady support. As they slowly lift their head, use your other hand to stroke gently from the back of their head down to their bottom, helping them relax and stay engaged.
What to notice
- Tries to lift their head while lying across your arm
Gross Motor - Enjoys looking closely at your face Relationships with Adults
Tips
- Slow strokes from head to bottom help your baby notice the muscles along their back. This touch feedback can make it easier to hold their head up.
- Talk to your baby while they lift their head so the practice stays interesting and connected.
Step 3
Lift Your Head on My Lap
Sit down and lay your baby across your thighs. Support their back with one hand and raise one thigh slightly so their head is a little higher than their body. This gentle angle invites them to lift their head. Follow their gaze and look around together so they can enjoy the new view.
What to notice
- Adjusts their body as you raise your leg and feels the shift in balance
Perception - Lifts their head while lying across your lap and looks around at the new view Gross Motor
Tips
- You only need to lift your leg enough to place your baby’s head slightly above their body, keeping the position comfortable.
- Raise your leg slowly so your baby can adjust to the change without being startled or losing balance.
- Try the same position outdoors so your baby can lift their head to see different surroundings.
- You can practice these positions several times a day, keeping each try short—about one or two minutes.
Better Parenting Content Team · Updated September 11, 2026