Normally baby's head grows for first two years. The shape of the head is determined by baby's position in uterus before birth but more importantly by their sleep position.

Causes for abnormal head shape-

Preterm babies tend to have relatively narrower and longer skull. A prolonged NICU admission can also affect the shape. As the skull bones are still very soft and not fused, the position of newborns and young infants can mould the head shape. The flattening of back or sides of the head caused by positioning is called plagiocephaly.

Dos
Flat head will improve with a few changes.
● Always put your baby to sleep on his/her back. Studies have shown that risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) decreases in this position.
● Place the baby on tummy when they are awake, preferably after each feed. It also make them stronger as their muscles work against

gravity when they try to lift their head and shoulders.
● Place your baby on his or her tummy on a firm surface

● When you are actively watching the baby you may also place your baby across your knees while you are sitting or on your chest when you are lying down;

Depending on the shape of the head, sometimes the baby’s head should lie to the right, and sometimes to the left. Other useful tips include:

● Do not leave your baby in a car seat for sleep. Keep it to the minimum.

● Change your baby's position frequently.

● When your baby is not asleep, use a blanket roll to help keep your baby’s head in the
position you want. Do not use this strategy during sleep.
 

• Gentle stretching exercises may be advised by your pediatrician.

• This baby has a special helmet to improve her head shape.

• If a baby likes to keep their head turned to one side, or their head always tilts to one side, the neck muscles may be tight on one side. To help stretch the muscle,

very gently turn your baby’s head from side to side. Also, gently stretch your baby’s
neck by holding their shoulder in place while gently tilting their head to the other
side. You can do these stretches when your baby is on their tummy or their back.
Notice that when your baby wakes up he/she will often turn his/her head to the side
to look out of the crib and watch for someone to come through the door. You can
also do things to encourage your baby to turn his head and to look at you. To
encourage your baby’s head to turn to both sides, place him/her in the crib in
different directions each day.
● Alternate the direction you hold your baby to encourage turning both ways.
● Move your face or a bright colored toy from side to side to encourage side to side
movement.
● Hold your baby in each arm for part of every feeding if you are bottle feeding.
Breastfeeding babies have to turn their heads to each side as they nurse from both
breasts.
● Routinely rotate your baby’s infant seat so that his /her head doesn’t always turn
the same way to see you.
shapes.
www.plagiocephaly.org
This site shows clear pictures of head shapes and provides good information and
links to other sites.
www.cappskids.org
CAPPS is a nonprofit organization providing information and support to other
families.
www.cranialtech.com
Cranial Technologies, Inc. is a company that sells helmets that are used for the most
severe forms of head shape problems. Information about positional plagiocephaly and
tummy time are provided.