If your baby is struggling to lift their head by the 3-month mark despite consistent exercise and guidance, this could be a cause for worry. Children develop at different paces. Some take their time, while others are eager to show off. Babies typically gain the ability to lift their heads by their third month. Be keen on other developmental delays also (which we’ll tackle below).
For concerned parents, reach out to your trusted pediatrician as soon as you notice anything weird about your child’s development. Catching medical conditions early is crucial to your child’s development, allowing prompt interventions that would better promote their growth. An early diagnosis of your child’s condition could also help you pinpoint if any medical malpractice has caused your family’s distress.
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But if you suspect that your child is suffering from an injury due to medical malpractice during birth, don’t hesitate to contact the Porter Law Group for legal guidance. Our experienced birth injury lawyers have recovered substantial compensation for victims of medical negligence in birth injury lawsuits throughout New York. View the results we’ve achieved for previous clients, and contact us today to learn more about your legal options.
Other Signs of Developmental Delay
Infant brains develop rapidly. Any interference with this development could potentially lead to long-term complications. As such, parents should also look out for other signs that their child is experiencing developmental delays. These signs include:
- Poor responsiveness to stimuli (sounds, sights, touch)
- Lack of social engagement (no smiling, poor eye contact)
- Unusual muscle tone (overly floppy or stiff)
- Limited physical movement or coordination
- Absence of vocalization or cooing
- Difficulty focusing on or tracking objects
- Lack of interest in surroundings or objects
If none of these are present, then perhaps your baby is just not keen about lifting their head. Still, it’d be wise to get your child checked up to ease your worries. Give them more time and gradually introduce them to fun exercises if that’s the case.
Developmental Milestones in Babies
For concerned parents, it might also be helpful to understand the various development milestones in babies. Here’s a summary of these milestones based on various aspects of your child’s development:
| Physical Development | Cognitive Development |
| 0-3 months: Lifts head when on the stomach, follows objects with eyes 3-6 months: Rolls over, reaches for objects 6-9 months: Sits without support, starts crawling 9-12 months: Pulls to stand, may take first steps | 0-3 months: Recognizes familiar faces, tracks moving objects 3-6 months: Responds to own name, shows curiosity about objects 6-9 months: Develops object permanence, explores objects with hands and mouth 9-12 months: Understands simple words, imitates gestures |
| Language Development | Social and Emotional Development |
| 0-3 months: Coos and makes gurgling sounds 3-6 months: Babbles and laughs 6-9 months: Begins to understand “no,” makes different consonant sounds 9-12 months: Says first words, understands simple instructions | 0-3 months: Smiles at people, recognizes parent 3-6 months: Enjoys social play, distinguishes emotions in others’ voices 6-9 months: May show anxiety with strangers, enjoys mirror images 9-12 months: Shows preference for certain people, maybe clingy with parents |
Developmental delays in babies do not only occur in one specific area. Any delays in one area can also hinder the development of all the others. Such delays compound and get carried over to the baby’s childhood.
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Potential Underlying Conditions
Struggling to lift their head may be one of the first few symptoms of an underlying condition your child may have contracted through improper professional care. Some of these more serious conditions include:
Cerebral Palsy
This is a neurological disorder that affects movement, posture, and muscle coordination. It can result from brain injury during pregnancy, birth, or early infancy. Symptoms vary widely – from mild awkwardness to severe motor impairment and intellectual disability.
Brachial Plexus Injuries
These are damages to nerves controlling arm and hand movement. It is often caused by excessive stretching during difficult deliveries. Can lead to weakness, loss of sensation, or paralysis in the affected arm – with severity ranging from temporary to permanent.
Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
This is a brain injury caused by oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow. It can occur before, during, or shortly after birth. May result in seizures, feeding difficulties, altered muscle tone, and long-term developmental delays or cognitive impairments.
Kernicterus
This is a severe form of jaundice causing brain damage in newborns. It results from excessive bilirubin levels – leading to hearing loss, intellectual disabilities, movement disorders, and vision problems. Proper monitoring and timely treatment of jaundice can prevent this condition.
Medication-Induced Developmental Delays
Certain medications taken during pregnancy or given to infants can interfere with normal development. Improper medications may result in cognitive impairments, growth issues, or specific organ dysfunctions. Careful consideration of risks and benefits is crucial when prescribing medications.
Any birth injuries acquired while under the care of a medical provider may constitute medical malpractice. Reach out to seasoned medical malpractice lawyers to have your case established and strengthened. For actual figures on birth injury-related settlements, please refer to our previous wins.
Speak to a Medical Malpractice Lawyer Today
At the Porter Law Group, our team of proven medical malpractice lawyers delivers ideal results. We take pride in helping families rebuild after unfavorable circumstances. We operate on a contingency basis – meaning you do not need to pay us anything unless we win your case. Through this approach, we can better support families during their times of need.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of medical malpractice, please reach out to us for a non-obligatory free case evaluation. You can also contact us at 833-PORTER9 or info@porterlawteam.com to schedule a consultation.
