3 m/o head control?

[WinnieK]

My 3m/o DS wasn't breathing at birth and gave us all a bit of a fright. While he seems to be doing well so far I'm watching him like a (very anxious) hawk to see if he's developing OK. He's my first so I have nothing to compare him to. The past few weeks I have been a bit worried about his head control. He's not the greatest at tummy time - hates it - but we are persevering and he seems to be getting better. He can lift his head 45 degrees for short periods and move it around, and when placed with his hands in front of him, can hold his head up 90 degrees quite comfortably. But just yesterday watching someone else's tot, it occurred to me that DS had never, ever even attempted to raise his head when lying on his back. When I googled this, development charts suggested they should be doing this by two months. So now, obviously, I'm fretting like mad. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Should he be lifting his head while lying on his back? Is there anything i can do to encourage him to do it?

[NorthEasterlyGale]

Well, my 10 week old DS2 certainly isn't lifting his head when he's on his back. Don't recall DS1 doing it until much older either. Your DS sounds like he's doing just fine to me, but have a chat with your HV or GP if you're worried.

[cravingcake]

My 15week old DD isnt lifting her head when on her back, i dont recall DS doing it very early either. I go to a baby group with my DD and out of about 12 babies in the group all similar age i've only noticed one do it (& that is the eldest baby in the group).

As hard as it is try not to compare to other children, and speak to your gp/hv for reassurance.

[WinnieK]

Thanks for the reassurance folks. TBH it wasn't something that I expected him to be able to do as logically it seems pretty difficult (!) but when I saw it on the development chart I started to panic. Thank you - I actually took him to the GP today (for another reason) and GP said his muscle tone seemed fine and not to worry about the head thing. Reassuring to know he is not the only one - thank you.

[NickyEds]

My 19 week old DS doesn't lift his head up when lying on his back yet-( although his head is massive) none of the babies at baby group do yet! Don't worry too much about tummy time-my DS hated it until a couple of weeks ago when it suddenly "clicked". Just do it little and often. I sometimes put him on my stretched out legs whilst sat down and let him "crawl" up to my face!

[WinnieK]

Nicky, just in the past few days we've been putting DS face down on our outstretched arm (supported and secured by other hand of course) and 'flying' him gently round the room - he loves it and he holds his head up like a champion! The look on his face is priceless .... I figure it uses the same muscles as 'tummy time', but without the downside of him having his face in the carpet :) I love your crawling idea, must give it a go (when he's a bit bigger). Funny how much they seem to hate tummy time, have heard the same from other mums

[NickyEds]

We do the "Superman!" to but he weighs 16lb 5oz now so it nearly breaks my arms!!!

[misskatamari]

We've just got one of these for tummy time and it's great. I got mine from tesco for £15 and my 16 week old dd loves it as she's not just lying face down on the play gym