Let’s talk real for a second! Has your little one been lying down, and you suddenly noticed a flat spot forming at the back or on one side of their head? The medical term for baby flat head syndrome, known as positional plagiocephaly, exists extensively among infants. Experts report that more than one in five newborns will show signs of head flattening within the first few months after birth.
We get it, those worries start creeping in:
“Is it going to stay like this?”
“Do I need a helmet?”
“Did I do something wrong?”
The answer is No! In most cases, a flat head on one side of your baby’s head or at the back can be gently corrected at home without a helmet if caught early and addressed correctly.
Read down; we’ve covered everything from how to fix your baby’s flat head without a helmet to knowing when to worry and more. We will guide you through understanding your baby’s requirements that will shape their future.
What Is Baby Flat Head Syndrome?
Understanding the Condition
Positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, causes the flat head on one side of baby’s head or the back of the baby. It develops due to newborns’ extended time in one position, causing continuous pressure on a single area of the skull.
Types of Baby Flat Head Syndrome
- In plagiocephaly, the back of the baby’s head has one flattened portion that differs from the other side. When viewed from above, the head tilts slightly to one side.
- The rear of the baby’s head may become flat over time, making the head look wider.
- Scaphocephaly, a form of head shape, causes a baby’s skull to be long and thin.
- The problem develops when the bones in the head become prematurely fused before the skull reaches its normal growth size.
What Causes Baby Flat Head Syndrome
Positional Causes: The Most Common Reason
Positioning is the most frequent cause of this condition. Babies have soft skulls in the first few months, which become hard later. Constant pressure from lying on the back or turning their head to one side during sleep causes flattening of the selected area of the head. This is often due to:
- The practice of repeatedly positioning a baby on one side for sleep affects most infants who tend to rest in their preferred position.
- Make sure your baby spends enough time on their tummy and sitting up, as well as in car seats and bouncy chairs.
- A stiff neck caused by torticollis restricts your baby’s smooth head rotation in both directions.
Example: Your baby falls asleep with their head tilted to the right during bedtime, so you will eventually detect a flat spot on that same side of their head. It’s not your fault; it’s just a result of your daily routine and baby habits.
Birth Conditions: It Can Start Before Birth
Sometimes, flat spots are already visible at birth or develop shortly after due to the baby’s position in the womb. For example:
- Infants who experience breech positioning and multiple birth experiences or restricted uterine space sometimes develop flattening because of the womb pressure.
- Long labour and the use of vacuum tools or forceps can sometimes lead to small changes in the shape of a baby’s head.
Lifestyle and Sleeping Habits: Safety vs. Shape
Parents often struggle with balancing safe sleep positions for their babies and helping them develop a proper head shape. Flat spots form easily when babies spend little time on their stomach during tummy time and remain stationary.
But don’t worry- sleeping on their back is still the safest option. The key is to balance it with plenty of tummy time and repositioning during awake hours.
How to Check if My Baby has Flat Head Syndrome?
Yes, the following are signs that your baby may have a flat head.
- Some babies may develop flat spots on their heads due to spending too much time in one position.
- Position changes and tummy time can help prevent this problem.
- Uneven ear or cheek shapes become visible when observing from above the top of their head.
- The forehead develops a prominent bulge, which appears on one side.
- The baby reveals their specific head movement direction, regardless of what they do, even when asleep or playing.
Tips for moms: The best way to identify head shape deformities is to take your baby’s flat head pictures from above while resting. Taking this picture is a straightforward way to detect any misalignment at an early stage.
When to See a Doctor For Baby’s Flat Head Syndrome
If your four-month-old child shows no improvement in the head’s flatness or impaired movement of their head to both sides, you should visit your paediatrician. Early indications of torticollis condition and motor skills delays require evaluation from health professionals.
Natural Remedies to Correct Baby Flat Head Syndrome
1. Repositioning Techniques:
- Alternate your baby’s head direction during naps and night time.
- Change the position of toys, mobiles, or crib orientation so your baby looks in different directions.
- Hold your baby upright more often, reducing time spent lying down.
Try switching the side on which you carry your baby or feed them; this encourages head turning and promotes symmetry.
2. Supervised Tummy Time: The Game Changer in Preventing Plagiocephaly
Tummy time isn’t just for crawling prep; it’s a powerful way to relieve pressure off your baby’s head.
- The first sessions should last 3-5 minutes, twice daily, starting in the second week.
- Develop your baby’s tolerance by gradually increasing tummy time from three to five to thirty minutes to an hour throughout the day.
- Use colourful toys alongside mirrors to keep your baby active during playtime.
Shifting your baby to its tummy helps improve the strength of its neck and shoulder areas while also developing its motor skills.
3. Babywearing & Active Holding
Using a sling or baby carrier gives your baby a break from lying on its back, builds that precious parent-baby bond, and encourages better posture and head control.
Hold your baby upright while feeding or playing, and use this time to guide their head movements and gently encourage variety.
Is Baby Head Massage for Flat Head Effective?
A gentle baby head massage for a flat head can boost circulation and help relax tight spots. Not sure how to start? A pediatric physiotherapist can teach you safe and effective techniques.
- Use your fingertips in gentle circular motions.
- Focus on both sides of the skull, not just the flat spot.
- Keep it light and soothing; never apply pressure.
How to Shape a Baby’s Flat Head Without a Helmet
Physical Therapy
If your baby shows signs of torticollis or prefers looking only one way, early physical therapy can work wonders:
- Neck stretches and positioning exercises.
- You can give activities that promote turning to the less preferred side.
- Strengthening exercises for head and neck muscles
It’s gentle, non-invasive, and often done through playful interaction and routine movements.
At-home Techniques
Here’s how to correct a flat spot on your baby’s head using simple home strategies:
- Use rolled-up towels (with supervision) to nudge your baby’s head in different directions.
- Engage in interactive floor play on both sides of their body.
- If using a baby flat head correction pillow, do so only during awake and supervised time.
- Rotate bottle-feeding arms or switch breastfeeding positions.
When Helmet Therapy Becomes Necessary
In some moderate to severe cases, helmet therapy may be advised, usually after 3 months of age. It’s considered when:
- The flatness is severe and hasn’t improved with natural methods.
- Facial asymmetry is developing.
- The baby is past the window for natural skull reshaping (usually after 3-6 months)
This baby flat head helmet or cranial remolding helmet is customised, the lightest, and worn 23 hours a day for a few months. The change can be expected in 8 to 12 weeks.
Learn more about helmet therapy. Read blog: What is Helmet Therapy for Babies? Complete Parents Guide
What Happens If You Ignore Baby Flat Head Syndrome?
In many mild cases, the shape improves over time without intervention. But if moderate-to-severe cases are left untreated, it may result in:
- Permanent skull asymmetry
- Uneven facial features
- Possible delays in development (very rare)
- Self-esteem issues later in childhood
Early care helps prevent long-term complications and allows your baby to grow confidently.
Baby Flat Head- When to Worry and Seek Professional Help
Here’s when it’s time to be extra alert and reach out to a specialist:
- Your baby is 3-4 months old, and the flat spot is not improving
- Because of torticollis, your baby cannot turn their head in both directions.
- You can determine severe asymmetry in the baby’s face or ears.
- Your baby is missing developmental milestones.
Do you know? Early identification and action are the best decisions you’ll ever make for your baby.
KARE Prosthetics & Orthotics: Providing the Best Flat Head Syndrome Treatment in India
At KARE Prosthetics & Orthotics India, your baby’s comfort and development are our top priority.
- We’re here to support you with gentle, non-invasive solutions and expert guidance every step of the way.
- With FDA-approved cranial remolding helmets from Orthomerica’s trusted Starband cranial helmet.
- We have the solution for all types of flattened heads with free evaluations and personalised care plans. We ensure your child gets precisely what they need.
“Let us help your little one grow with confidence, safely and naturally with US. Talk to our Experts now!“
FAQ
Early intervention and the right cranial remolding helmet therapy can assist with flat head syndrome.
Not usually. Healthcare professionals report that most instances of mild flattening resolve on their own when parents provide their babies with appropriate support during the first few months.
Absolutely. Tummy time is a simple method for reducing back-of-the-head pressure and naturally helps shape a rounded profile.
Getting medical help from a specialist becomes necessary when your baby shows no signs of improvement in the past 4 to 6 months or displays ear or facial irregularities.
No, not at all. Putting babies in different positions and performing basic body movements usually produces positive results. Medical healthcare providers will prescribe helmets only when non-helmet methods prove ineffective or in serious situations.
KARE Prosthetics & Orthotics India provides FDA-approved cranial helmets from Starband, Orthomerica. We will thoroughly examine your baby and then help you find customised treatment approaches.
🎥 Watch Dr. Vybhav Deraje explain everything you need to know about selecting the ideal head shaping helmet for your baby.
