Is it normal for a four-month-old baby not to lift their head?

Patient's question:

Female, 4 months. Premature baby born at 35?5 weeks weighing 5 pounds 4 ounces. Now almost 4 months old and still cannot lift her head—is this normal? Her head just lies flat, she can't lift it up. She smiles when amused, knows how to play, and can track objects, but she just can't lift her head.

Doctor's answer:

Hello, if the child is developing normally, they usually lift their head at around two months old. If a four-month-old child still cannot lift their head, their development is relatively delayed. It is recommended to wait and see for a while. If there is still no improvement, it is advisable to have head and MRI examinations to check if brain development is normal.
According to your consultation, your baby is a premature infant. This is normal, and it is usually possible to improve it within six months. It is recommended to feed the baby on demand, supplement with 400 IU of vitamin D daily, and regularly massage and stroke the baby to encourage more lying down, which promotes the development of gross motor skills.

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