GM.A.3 LIFTS HEAD FROM SHOULDER IN SIDE LYING

This is the second place in which the head needs to be lifted against gravity.

How to Assess

Materials: A firm, flat surface

Method: Place your child on her side, supporting her around the chest. To score, first tilt your child up approximately 20° from the surface of the table and score plus if your child lifts her head vertically away from her lower shoulder and maintains for 3 seconds.

How to Teach

Roll the child onto one side and support her around her chest. Tilt her off the surface and talk to her from above and in front of her top shoulder, tn encourage her to lift her head up and look at you. Repeat the same movement from the opposite side. You will probably find that she is stronger on one side than the other. If this is the case, do twice as many repeats on the weaker side.

Positioning, Carrying and Playing

Place the baby on her side for some of her awake time each day, remembering to alternate sides. Place a small pillow or rolled-up towel behind her to prevent her from rolling hack, and place toys within swiping distance. Another good side lying position is to place your baby on her side in a firm beanbag. She must be able to see out. Do not use any one position for long periods of time.

Continue to carry your baby firmly wrapped in a bunny rug up over your shoulder so that she can bring her head back and around to see you. Alternatively, carry her in the crook or your arm, at a slight angle so that she must work to bring her head upright. Avoid carrying her cradled in your arms, flat on her back, as this position does not encourage her to use her muscles. When your baby is sitting on your lap, tilt her as described in the previous item. Wait 5 or 10 seconds each time you tilt her, chatting and singing, to encourage her to bring her head back to a straight position.

Another tun way to help your child learn to control the muscles at the side of her neck is by helping her to roll from her side to her back. Place the child on her side and, holding her legs, roll her onto her back so that she can see your face. You might make it a peek-a-boo game, so that while she is on her side she can’t see your face, but when she rolls onto her back, she can. Repeat this about 6 times and then place her on her side again and wait for her to roll herself onto her back to see you. If she finds this difficult to do, try placing her on a gently graded foam wedge so that she is rolling slightly downhill onto her back.

It is most important that you train yourself to pick your baby up, and place her back down again, so that she is being made to use her muscles in a way that will advantage her in the long term. Every time you pick your baby up, roll her onto her side, hold her firmly around the upper arms and shoulders and gently lift her up. She will use the side neck muscles to control her head when you lift her. Remember to alternate sides.This met hod also applies when you place her down again; first turn her onto her side and then place her down. Do not support her head.

If your child consistently finds it more difficult to lift her head to one side than her other, it is wise to contact your doctor or physiotherapist. Some simple exercises and carry positions are usually sufficient to correct this.