Is this exercise safe to do?

[newmum234]

If DS is lying on his back on the mat, is it okay to pull him up slowly by his hands into a sitting position, without supporting his head?

I read about this on a website but don’t want to hurt DS! He’s 4 months old...

By his arms? No, i wouldn't, risk of dislocation etc. At 4m you shouldn't need to worry much about supporting his head, but I'd definitely be lifting him from under the arms rather than by his hands.

he should be able to support his head in normal conditions, but what you're describing sounds awfully sore for soft baby bones/etc. - i know mine was a late sitter/walker etc but at 4 months i don't think DC was anywhere near being able to self-support if i pulled up on the hands (wrists?) into a sitting position.

not qualified in anything related to health... but... this sounds like the sort of thing a qualified physio would not be signing off on!

where has recommended it?
is it a reputable site/UK-based? e.g. there's a big difference between UK authority site like the NHS vs. someone's blog claiming to be a pedeatrician in Texas, USA!

I think it's an exercise to help with core strength? If I remember rightly it was recommended from about 2-3 months, you hold their arms and they essetially pull themselves up with you?
At 4 months he should have a pretty stable head

@HappyPotato

I think it's an exercise to help with core strength? If I remember rightly it was recommended from about 2-3 months, you hold their arms and they essetially pull themselves up with you? At 4 months he should have a pretty stable head

I still don't think that it's a good idea. Tummy time and supported sitting should be fine for core strength

unless a UK-based authority is recommending it to a specific child under their care, i'd steer well clear though.

e.g. health visitor, midwife, gp, paedeatrician, physiotherapist (qualified).. not some random...

Id only do this if the baby had enough proprioception to be able to tense his shoulders/elbows/neck to prevent damage.

Paediatricians do it carefully, once, to assess head control, they are ready to support head if needed. Doing it more often doesn't improve head control, which will develop at its own pace.

When your baby tries to lift their own head forward when they're lying on their back, they are ready to be pulled to the supported sitting position as you describe.

I think it would depend on the baby but, from my experience, mine wasn't ready at 4 months at all.
My MIL actually did this when my LO was 4mo or so, chilling on the sofa. I was livid as it was so obvious he found it really awkward and uncomfortable and even though he was good at supporting his neck, that exercise was clearly not appropriate for him.
She is constantly trying to force him to do things when he's not ready and it makes my blood boil!

Thanks all - glad I checked!