10/22/2025
WHAT DO YOU SEE besides the obvious happy little girl with sweet pigtails?
If this child were referred to Westchester Physical and Occupational Therapy, PLLC - Sensory Jim™ Pediatric Therapy, we see more than a cute and happy little girl.
In addition to reviewing multiple systems, we would think about head control. A head tilt CAN be an early clue that head control is lacking and a way for a child to visually cheat due to visual differences.
Head control is the platform for visual development. Before babies can use their eyes efficiently together, they must be able to hold a head steady oriented in space and control its movement in coordination with the eyes.
Head stability equals visual stability. In early infancy, the eyes and the head move together. Visual fixation and tracking are initially dependent on whole head movements. As the infant gains neck strength and head control (around four to six months old), the eyes can begin to move independent of the head.
This independence is essential for developing smooth pursuits, saccades, and binocular coordination. Without stable head control, the visual world may appear unstable, making it difficult for the brain to form accurate spatial maps.
Head control is one of the first milestones in the postural control hierarchy forming the anchor for midline orientation and balance. The vestibular system, visual system, and neck proprioceptors communicate constantly to define upright and guide motor development.
If this control is delayed or inconsistent we can help. We are holistic pediatric doctors of physical therapy ready to improve function.
Kyvelidou A, Stergiou N. Visual and somatosensory contributions to infant sitting postural control. Somatosens Mot Res.2018;35(3-4):240-246.
Kyvelidou A, Koss K, Wickstrom J, Needelman H, Fisher WW, DeVeney S. Postural control may drive the development of other domains in infancy. Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon). 2021;82:105273
(Child Model for iStock Photos)
