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Flathead, flat spot are common concerns in parents with a newborn. Baby’s skull is malleable till the age of 6 months and while they grow by 1 year of age their head shape gets fixed. There is nothing much to worry about as it’s only the shape of the head and most would be covered by hair which makes it even less worrisome.

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Reason for Flat Head                                                                                   

1. Positioning during sleeping

2. In the womb – due to multiple pregnancies – When the womb space is tight, a baby’s skull has a greater than normal risk of being compressed.

3. Pre-mature Babies – Babies born prematurely have softer bones than those born at term. They are also more likely to have lengthy hospital stays where they spend much of their time lying on their backs. Positional plagiocephaly is more common in premature babies than full-term babies.

4. During Delivery – Forceps or vacuum delivery. These instruments put pressure on the skull and its malleable bones, which could lead to plagiocephaly.

5. Muscular Torticollis – a tight muscle on one side of the neck

Solutions for Flat Head

1. Change Sleep Position 
At this age, babies sleep a lot and there is lot of pressure put on their heads. Hence it is important to change sleeping positions every now and then. If the baby returns to the same position while sleeping, gently reposition the baby’s head.

2. Change Baby’s Direction of View 
In the crib, infant seats or rockers used these days an attached toy is positioned at one angle. This makes the baby see in a single direction and hence the flat spot there. Try to move the toy or anything that interests your baby in multiple directions or just change the baby’s position.

3. Keep Baby Upright When Awake 
Whenever the baby is awake try to hold the baby in an upright position by helping her relieve the pressure generally felt. Also, ensure the baby is not tilting over to the same position while you hold her. Babywearing is an amazing way of holding a baby upright comfortably while you work or travel.

4. Switch Sides while Breastfeeding 
Some babies like to feed on the same side all the time and this definitely puts pressure on one side of the head. Hence it is important to switch sides while breastfeeding, especially for babies who stay put to the breast for a longer time.

5. Tummy Time 


There are multiple benefits of Tummy Time and there is a dedicated video already link mentioned above. Tummy time also helps the baby relieve the pressure on the head. Under your guidance allow baby enjoy tummy time from a few minutes to an hour per day as they grow. This must be done after 30-40 minutes of breastfeeding.

6. Avoid using Pillows 
Any sort of pillow can be a suffocation or choking hazard for babies. Apart from it these hold their head in a single position or at a higher position both of which are unnatural and unsafe for a baby whose skull is yet developing. They must be free to move their head easily while they sleep.

When to visit a doctor?

1. Visible head slanted

2. Both ears are misaligned

3. Bald spot on one area of the head

4. Bony ridges on the skull

Do you observe that a pediatrician measures your baby’s head circumference during each visit? So there is nothing to worry about until your doctor raises an alarm.

Video: Shape of Baby’s Head – Prevention of Flat Head

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