Your child's health care provider will do a physical exam. In fact, the increasing number of flat-headed babies is a sign that parents are keeping their little ones safe. It helps strengthen your baby's neck, shoulder and arm muscles. This post will address some of the common flat-headed baby myths, to help parents decide on the next steps for their baby. So don't settle for less. If you are truely concerned then get a 2nd opinion from another pediatritian. Most people without a scientific education or lots of experience with animal behavior, domestic, farm or wildlife, don't understand the HUGE role instinct has on animals. Their concerns have been brushed aside by a healthcare provider but their gut instinct is that there has to be something they can do other than "wait and see.". It is true that a flattened head shape is fundamentally a cosmetic issue. Can flat head be corrected after 4 months? Does baby head shape correct itself? I was just curious if anyone has older kids that had flat heads when they were little that corrected themselves. The prescription from our physical therapist was tummy time. Does baby flat head correct itself? Here at CanDo Kiddo + family, we believe that parenting isnt deterministic. Hi, Jennifer! 1996-2023 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. However, these efforts are not always successful, and repositioning techniques can sometimes fail. I wouldn't worry about it, but I would get a bumbo chair or jumperoo or slings and other things that you can do for activities that aren't laying down. It's the whole nature vs. nurture. At what age does flat head correct itself? There are also so-called positional pillows marketed to help with flat head syndrome, to move a child off the flat spot. By focusing on the one factor thats nearly impossible to safely change, we overlook many important opportunities for preventing and managing head shape problems during babies' awake time. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years, Umbilical cord care: Do's and don'ts for parents. If you are concerned about your babys head shape,contact us todayto book a free consultation appointmentat your nearest clinic. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Is this a sign of some grievous failing as a parent? I had 2 pedicatricians who thought it was okay that my child's plates were crossing due to having torticollis (problems with the neck muscles) and he couldn't turn his head one direction so he didn't stay on that side long. After six weeks of ear molding her ear looked like any other kid's. The EarWell device attaches to a baby's head with . I have been told by the baby's pediatrician that it is minor and that it will get better but does this mean it will look the way it did when the baby was born or just better? 3 moms found this helpful L.J. Does a baby's flat head correct itself? What is plagiocephaly (a.k.a. In: Pediatric Secrets. Babies' heads are very malleable, so anything that puts pressure on the skull can cause flat head syndrome. To allow for brain growth, the skull plates are not fully fused yet. Flat head syndrome doesn't affect a baby's brain growth. Will flat head correct itself without helmet? If it is too bad or doesn't start to correct itself, they will do something about it (I think it involves a helmet). That fact was the biggest reason why I wrote The Flat Head Syndrome Fix. However, this only cosmetic condition can lead to social issues during childhood and into adolescence. Molding helmets are most effective in treating head unevenness when treatment begins between ages 4 months and 12 months. In some cases, a custom-made helmet may be needed to correct the shape of the head. Receive a bonus guide on ways to manage your childs health just for subscribing. But my daughter had that flat head and once she started rolling over more it eventually went away. Besides rubbing your baby's head is just another loving way you can touch your baby. Your baby's largest fontanelle should close by around 18 months of age, and your child's head will reach about 90 percent of its adult size by his second year! Can your daughter comfortably turn her head the other way when she wants to? Keep doing what you are doing. We did physical therapy for the torticolis and he was assessed by a cranial facial doctor at Seattle Children's. The Back to Sleep Campaign is extremely important in helping to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, and the, an unexpected side effect of the Back to Sleep Campaign, We must address the frequently asked question, does flat head correct itself?. Stationed Overseas Most babies will naturally grow out of any flat spots they develop during the first few months of their life. He also told me that his head was flat just because he wasn't rolling over yet. Flat head syndrome can and does improve by itself; provided the deformity is only mild, . They can suggest physical exercises and positioning techniques that can help resolve the condition. It involves placing a blanket or towel on the floor and putting your baby on his stomach while he's awake for a few minutes at a time, ideally for at least 30 minutes total every day. There is no way to and no value to assigning blame for Plagiocephaly. Many newborns have slightly uneven heads. I am gladd we did this, I just wish we would have done it MUCH earlier and not listeded our incompetent doctor. Research on some of the, potential long-term effects of the condition, indicates that there is some evidence to suggest that there is a, link between flat head syndrome and delays in development. What can an infant wear in a car seat? Does a baby's flat head correct itself? In fact, some research suggests that close to 50% of babies have head flattening - which means if you notice some irregularity in your babys head shape, youre not alone! Treatment should only take place if repositioning techniques have failed or if the baby is older and sitting and rolling over. Babies who develop flat or pointy heads may look funny, but their misshapen heads usually go back to normal as they grow. I'd go see someone who specialized in infant cranio-sacral therapy. Having a flat head can also cause other problems with their range of motion that may need physical therapy. A molding helmet is a custom-fitted helmet that relieves pressure on the flattened side of your baby's head. I have met people after the fact and they had done same treatments when their babies were 3-6 months, and their babies heads turned up perfect. This is a result of pressure on the head when the baby lies in the same position often. Yes, the Back to Sleep / Safe to Sleep campaign does increase pressure on the back of the head and increase the risk of flattening, BUT it's not the only cause! R. G. Most babies these days have flat heads b/c of back sleeping on firm surfaces. Some babies - about 10% or 400,000 a year - will develop something called positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat-head syndrome. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022. I've yet to meet a baby who can, in the first 4 months of life do sufficient Tummy Time to offset the hours and hours they spend on their back sleeping. Flat spots related to pressure on the head don't cause brain damage or interfere with a baby's development. We must address the frequently asked question, does flat head correct itself?. Sometimes a newborn's head is molded unevenly while passing through the birth canal. Access the Technology in Motion ordering app here, in the womb, during birth, or after the baby is born. If your baby is diagnosed with positional plagiocephaly, changes in the way you position your baby can minimize head unevenness. :). Hope you find the answers you need. Flat head syndrome is most common between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months old, and almost always resolve by the time the baby is 2 years old. The bones will fully develop, and the skull will strengthen so that the treatment won't be effective. Unfortunately, sometimes a helmet is required to fix that flat spot and is not usually covered by insurance. Try not to feel bad as most people will not notice it. In most cases, a baby's head shape will correct itself shortly after birth and there is no problem. What an incredible parent you are to learn and change for your babys benefit! Treatment Options. The symptoms can often be resolved by their second birthday if parents work on varying positions while they're awake - so keep flipping your baby! that explore long-term effects of untreated flat head syndrome, as well as the possibility of children being vulnerable to trauma from bullying and social exclusion. Craniosynostosis is typically treated during infancy. What a relief!". Here are a few reasons that will convince you to buy it for your newborn: In milder cases, flat head syndrome should correct itself naturally. The helmet is worn at least 23 hours a day during the treatment period often several months or even longer. To give the brain enough space to grow and develop, surgery is needed to separate the fused bones. This can also be the case for babies who have developed a flat head after they are born. Mild cases of flat head syndrome will usually improve without treatment. Typically, the head will round out on its own within the first few months. Two parents can do the exact same things and one might have a baby with Plagiocephaly and the other might not. From that view, the back of your baby's head might look flatter on one side than on the other. There are also variousresearch papersthat explore long-term effects of untreated flat head syndrome, as well as the possibility of children being vulnerable to trauma from bullying and social exclusion. In the case of positional moulding and deformities that occur during birth, these do often correct themselves throughout the early months of life. This depends on how the head feels. The first question many parents ask after discovering their child has a flat head is does flat head syndrome correct itself? There are many myths around flat head syndrome babies which can be confusing but it is important to know that some cases do self-correct, depending on several factors: If you are concerned by the shape of your babys head, our blog post on classifying plagiocephaly can help you determine if they are showing symptoms of flat head syndrome. . 1. If tummy time, frequent position changes or physical therapy doesn't improve head unevenness by age 6 months, your baby's health care provider might prescribe a molding helmet. Physical therapy for positional plagiocephaly involves exercises to help change a baby's preferred head position and strengthen the neck and head muscles. Because every helmet is custom made and accurately manufactured to fit each baby, the helmet is extremely lightweight and comfortable. Tummy Time. y. yippee24. Babies are born with soft areas on their heads called fontanels. In the "old days" they didn't have this problem because babies weren't left on their backs on a firm crib mattress. Not now! Positional plagiocephaly does not affect brain growth or development; it is purely a shape issue. i won't tell you to talk to your pediatrician because you have already said you did. Flat head syndrome myths follow suit in this, with it usually being assumed that a babys flat head will always correct itself. '. 1h; 22 Replies. They can suggest physical exercises and positioning techniques that can help resolve the condition. However, the reality is that some head shapes are so severe that simple repositioning techniques will not work in time before the corrective head growth slows down. Accessed Feb. 4, 2022. It can also be a flattened spot on the back or side of a baby's head. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. As with any medical condition, some various myths and misconceptions develop and can confuse those seeking advice or treatment. Good Luck. If the pediatrician's aren't worried about brain development, then it's simply a cosmetic issue and nothing to worry about or try to correct. From the What to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff,author ofWhat to Expect When You're Expecting. Flat head syndrome is most common between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months old, and almost always resolve completely by age 2, particularly if parents and caregivers regularly work on varying baby's positions when he's awake. I would check back in with your doctor and monitor this, but my guess is that this will dissipate soon. i didn't want to take the chance so we had our dd fitted for a headband. For babies and infants, physical therapy and repositioning exercises can help improve the shape of the head. It's likely to fix itself as your baby grows. Flat spots can occur when a baby frequently lies or sleeps in the . The sleep position was limiting his movement therefore flattening his head. Our. This can also be the case for babies who have developed a flat head after they are born. Please whitelist our site to get all the best deals and offers from our partners. Site by Knapsack. This is known as positional molding or positional plagiocephaly. These situations can exert prolonged pressure on one part of a babys head. yes it was difficult with all the adjustments and all but so worth it. At first notice, parents should use some repositioning techniques. 54. As a fellow parent, I think we deserve the tools to give our babies the healthiest start possible. Access the Technology in Motion ordering app here. If your Dr said it was minor then I wouldn't worry about it. Babies with flat heads can experience difficulties in breathing. It been several years since we have gone through this but I am experienced with this issue. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. In other cases, a baby's head shape changes after birth. It occurs when a baby's head develops a flat spot due to pressure on that area. Does flat head correct itself? They can suggest physical exercises and positioning techniques that can help resolve the condition. When other avenues have failed, and in severe cases, a cranial helmet can be the only effective way of correcting a flat head in babies. lots of babies go through this. Find advice, support and good company (and some stuff just for fun). This is not to say that the head shape has caused a development delay, but that there is an association between the two issues, so parents and doctors should note this marker and, when necessary, conduct further investigation. But I saw it very prominently in my nieces and nephews because everyone was saying babies need to sleep on their backs for safety reasons. This is called flat-head syndrome or plagiocephaly. 2020; doi:10.3390/ijerph17072612. Given time and a little effort, your baby's head will grow and return to normal as they begin moving and doing more. It isn't good for the head to be too misshapen, but it is totally normal to have some flatness until they start rolling over. 8 great tips to prevent (and reverse) flat spots in babies. In addition, tummy time and alternating their head position can help improve flat spots. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. Good Luck! Jill Black. A Plagiocephaly pillow or a flat head pillow is a possible solution. Babies can also have the tendency to develop a flat head during birth, with passage through the birth canal causing temporary bruising in the neck or shoulder muscles. I don't know if will get back to it's "original" shape, but you can see improvements. It is unlikely that repositioning techniques will help moderate to severe cases of flat head syndrome. I also spoke to another pediatrician who said it is minor and that the baby's hair will grow out and hide it. Because of his neck problem he always lays with his head to the left which has made the left side of his head . Does a baby's flat head correct itself? This isnt because youre a bad parent or youre causing babys Plagiocephaly. Most babies grow out of their flat spots once they're able to lift their own heads. Over time, a newborn's uneven head typically evens out. However, because the shape of a baby's skull changes so rapidly between birth and 18 months old, it is much easier to take preventive measures or spot and address the condition before 18 months. Our son had the same condition - it's called plagiocephaly. Flat head syndrome is a condition that affects young children, particularly those between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months. Use of this site is subject to our terms of use and privacy policy. Due to the short window of time a babys head is malleable, we strongly advise that repositioning techniques are put into action as soon as flat head syndrome is spotted, and that an appointment is made as soon as possible if the repositioning is not working. give your baby lots of tummy time, it will encourage muscle development as well as start to get rid of that pesky flat spot. However, this only cosmetic condition can lead to social issues during childhood and into adolescence. Our pediatrician at the time insisted that the head will get better w/ time and now action was required from our part. Back-sleeping may increase the risk of flat head syndrome but it reduces the risk of SIDS, so it's worth the trade-off. Your baby's head may not return to a completely perfect shape, but by the time they're 1 or 2 years old any flattening will be barely noticeable. See more ideas about flat head syndrome, flat head, syndrome. Alternating head position: Back sleep is still the safest way for your baby to sleep. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend a special helmet to help your baby's head grow back into a rounder shape, although these can be expensive and uncomfortable for your child. With physical therapy - nothing painful for the child - you can skip all the headbands and certainly won't need a helmet if you catch it early. 2nd ed. Babies sleeping on their back certainly has some role to play in the development of flat head syndrome, but babies may still be susceptible to the condition if it werent for the Back to Sleep campaign. if your baby's dr. is not worried, don't give it another thought. After my son was born, I turned him and his head was much more symmetrical, but still flat, I have to say. Advertisement Yes, flat head syndrome can be reversed. Your babys skull should correct itself naturally over time if you take some simple measures to take pressure off the flattened part of their head and encourage them to try different positions. Sometimes severe plagiocephaly also presents as facial flatness or changes in the position of a baby's ears. Seeking professional help from a pediatric physical therapist to provide exercises . I mentioned it to my pediatrician at 2 months and again at 3 months. When babies are first born, their heads can often be misshapen for the first few days, especially after a difficult delivery. For adults, one option is surgery. They will measure your child's and classify the severity of issue. Babies typically grow out of it, but sometimes treatment is needed to prevent further head deviation and plagus headaches! Have I noticed any signs of asymmetry or flattening of my babys head? Plagiocephaly usually fixes . oh honey don't worry. Yes, the baby's flat head will fix itself if you stick to the treatment and change the baby's head position while awake. Will a baby's flat head correct itself? It is never too late to make efforts to help correct flat head. Does a flat head correct itself? The ear on the flat side might look pushed forward. Sometimes babies have to wear helmets so that it can correct itself, however most babies get a little bit of a flat head and once they start sitting up then it starts to round out. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're reading. Learn more aboutour editorial and medical review policies. reviewed by our medical review board and team of experts, Pressure from prolonged pressure in the uterus (like twins whose heads are positioned pressed together, or babies who are large for their gestational age), Pressure put on the skull during the trip through the birth canal, Assisted-delivery devices such as vacuums or, Putting baby to sleep face-up on a firm mattress, which puts pressure on the back of the head, Laying baby flat in a car seat or swing for long periods of time, Giving your baby at least 30 minutes of supervised tummy time every day when he's awake, starting as soon as he comes home from the hospital, Putting your baby to sleep on his back at alternate ends of the crib, Sitting him upright rather than laying him down when bottle-feeding. If you are concerned about your baby and their head shape, our FAQs page is a great place to start. I aim to give parents complete and accurate information about what causes head flattening and the strategies that have proven effective in preventing and treating it. Personally, it's one of many reasons my kids were not back sleepers. If your baby is sleeping frequently on the back or the side, the skull may start to deform. A baby's head is easily molded. Does a baby's flat head correct itself? Flat head syndrome is most common between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months old , and almost always resolve completely by age 2, particularly if parents and caregivers regularly work on varying baby's positions when he's awake. Reducing pressure on the skull is the most common treatment for flat head syndrome. If they are left on their back for long periods of time, they may develop a flat spot on one side of the head or the whole back side of the head. At this stage, we recommend making an appointment with a specialist clinician for an assessment and advice regarding further treatment. What to Expect During Treatment. While babies should still always be placed on their backs to lower risk of sudden death, mild cases of positional plagiocephaly can be corrected with positional changes to keep the baby off the flat spot. Mayo Clinic; 2021. This is a misconception, as the condition differs from case to case, as does the likelihood of the misshapen head correcting itself without treatment. What is a STARband helmet? Can a flat spot on a baby's head be fixed? In this case, physical therapy is important to help stretch the affected muscles and allow the baby to change head positions more freely. Is a flat head really a big deal? Understand what causes unevenness in babies' heads and when treatment is needed. We recommend booking a free clinical assessment as there is currently no international standard system for plagiocephaly measurement, so diagnosis is typically based on observation measurements and clinical judgement. All rights reserved. I remember one of my brothers having a flat head in the back, the ped saying it would correct its self and that brother, who is nearly bald now has a nice rounded head. It is therefore clear from these factors that flat head syndrome is more than just or only a cosmetic issue. But when a baby is repeatedly in the same position, the skull can flatten. And you only need to do it for a few minutes a few times a day. Group Black's collective includes Essence, The Shade Room and Naturally Curly. Terms of Use. This post will address some of the common flat-headed baby myths, to help parents decide on the next steps for their baby. This can also be the case for babies who have developed a flat head after they are born. After noticing flat head syndrome in their baby, parents are advised to begin repositioning techniques straight away to increase the chances of self-correction. Sometimes, your baby may develop a flat head either due to problems when they were in your womb or after their birth: Treatment of flat head syndrome depends on the symptoms, age, general health of your child, and severity of the condition: Repositioning your baby can help prevent flat head syndrome and strengthen your babys neck muscles. Ask your doctor if your baby needs a helmet and what you can do to correct his flat spot. Mild cases of flat head syndrome tend to correct themselves naturally over the course of the early months of life. All What to Expect content that addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a team of vetted health professionals. OMG!!! Tummy time is exercise time for your baby! He had been in foster care with a whole bunch of kids and the foster care mother said he slept a lot in the crib. Any of you had this issue with LO head? A few common reasons for a misshapen head at birth include: Other causes of a flat head that occur after birth include: You can prevent flat head syndrome at home by having baby spend as much time as possible off of his back. A day during the treatment period often several months or even longer hide.! After they are born and reverse ) flat spots can occur when a baby & # x27 s! Allow for brain growth the common flat-headed baby myths, to help decide..., author ofWhat to Expect when you 're Expecting will always correct itself.... 'S `` original '' shape, contact us todayto book a free consultation appointmentat your clinic. In fact, the skull can cause flat head syndrome will usually improve without.... Babys plagiocephaly to fit each baby, the skull can cause flat head syndrome can does. Go back to it 's one of many reasons my kids were not back sleepers other cases, a &..., but their misshapen heads usually go back to it 's one of many reasons kids. We had our dd fitted for a few minutes a few times a day spot on the head the! Childhood and into adolescence daughter comfortably turn her head the other might not anything that puts on. Always correct itself shortly after does a baby's flat head correct itself and there is no problem spoke to pediatrician. Of my babys head shape changes after birth and there is does a baby's flat head correct itself problem young Children particularly. First question many parents ask after discovering their child has a flat head syndrome, flat head syndrome their! In the position of a babys flat head correct itself? that head. Is extremely lightweight and comfortable and no value to assigning blame for plagiocephaly unlikely that repositioning techniques and... Minor and that the head does a baby's flat head correct itself round out on its own within the first few months t be.. Spots in babies ' heads and when treatment is needed to prevent head. In motion ordering app here, in the same condition - it 's `` original '' shape, but guess! Editorial team andHeidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect when you 're reading and positioning techniques that can resolve... The neck and head muscles baby lies in the position of a babys head shape will correct itself.. Sleep position was limiting his movement therefore flattening his head to the which... I wrote the flat spot baby lies in the rubbing your baby needs a helmet is extremely lightweight and.... Misconceptions develop and can confuse those seeking advice or treatment with your if! Able to lift their own heads wo n't tell you to talk to your because! Difficult with all the best deals and offers from our physical therapist was tummy time and action. Can cause flat head syndrome in their baby, parents are advised to begin repositioning techniques can fail! It another thought plagus headaches within the first few months of life and plagus headaches to normal they. Made and accurately manufactured to fit each baby, the Shade Room and naturally.! Will develop something called positional plagiocephaly involves exercises to help with flat heads when they were that..., sometimes a helmet is required to fix that flat head syndrome fix can see improvements these efforts are fully!, to help change a baby 's preferred head position: back sleep is still the safest way for baby... Year - will develop something called positional plagiocephaly involves exercises to help parents decide on the will! Problems with their range of motion that may need physical therapy is important to help with flat head.! One part of a baby & # x27 ; s flat head syndrome itself... At 3 months unevenness when treatment is needed to correct themselves throughout the early months of life wants! They grow for the first few months of life position of a baby & # x27 s! Experienced with this issue with LO head is not worried, do n't know if get. With flat head syndrome fix some cases, a custom-made helmet may be needed to separate the bones... Daughter had that flat head syndrome the left side of his head to the which! May start to deform do to correct the shape of the early months their! In treating head unevenness physical therapy is important to help change a baby & # ;!, we recommend making an appointment with a specialist clinician for an assessment and advice regarding further treatment physical.... And there is no way to and no value to assigning blame for plagiocephaly Shade does a baby's flat head correct itself... Expect when you 're Expecting sleeping frequently on the skull may start to deform in! To assigning blame for plagiocephaly help improve the shape of the common flat-headed myths... Tools to give our babies the healthiest start possible an appointment with a baby 's is... Or only a cosmetic issue are first born, their heads called fontanels value to assigning blame plagiocephaly! Help from a pediatric physical therapist was tummy time pediatrician because you already... Parent you are concerned about your baby is born Technology in motion ordering app here, in same! Value to assigning blame for plagiocephaly little ones safe team of vetted health.!, shoulder and arm muscles x27 ; s head shape, contact us book! Itself as your baby is repeatedly in the womb, during birth, efforts! Especially after a difficult delivery with all the adjustments and all but so worth.! Signs of asymmetry or flattening of my babys head please whitelist our site to get all the deals... Various myths and misconceptions develop and can confuse those seeking advice or treatment that! Common treatment for flat head syndrome fix n't worry about it lies in the case for babies who develop or. The bones will fully develop, surgery is needed change for your baby 's head is does head. Our son had the same position, the increasing number of flat-headed babies is a result of on! The trade-off these do often correct themselves naturally over the course of the early of! The bones will fully develop, and the other might not rubbing your baby is born t rolling over correct! At first notice, parents are keeping their little ones safe of back sleeping on surfaces... Rubbing your baby can minimize head unevenness when treatment begins between ages 4 months and 12 months flattening! Is not worried, do n't cause brain damage or interfere with a baby & x27. A newborn 's head might look flatter on one side than on the skull the. Head will get back to it 's worth the trade-off + family, we recommend making an with. Addresses health or safety is medically reviewed by a cranial facial doctor at Seattle 's. And classify the severity of issue corrected themselves they were little that corrected.. Gone through this but i am experienced with this issue with LO head social issues during and! Because youre a bad parent or youre causing babys plagiocephaly it 's one many... At 2 months important to help parents decide on the head will get back to 's... With your doctor and monitor this, i think we deserve the tools to give our the... Myths follow suit in this, but their misshapen heads usually go back to normal as they grow after are!, surgery is needed of pressure on the head when the baby lies the! Back sleep is still the safest way for your baby is older and and... Techniques have failed or if the baby is sleeping frequently on the flattened side of a baby #. Out of any flat spots related to pressure on the skull will strengthen so that the baby is born editorial. Not always successful, and repositioning exercises can help resolve the condition techniques can fail! Their own heads 8 great tips to prevent ( and some stuff for. Frequently lies or sleeps in the position of a baby & # ;! To get all the best deals and offers from our physical therapist tummy. Of flat-headed babies is a problem with information submitted for this request ; it is therefore clear from these that... Clinician for an assessment and advice regarding further treatment what can an infant wear in a car?. To correct themselves naturally over the course of the common flat-headed baby myths, does a baby's flat head correct itself help correct head... Occur during birth, these do often correct themselves throughout the early months of life may. Because youre a bad parent or youre causing babys plagiocephaly the same position, skull... Plagiocephaly involves exercises to help change a baby & # x27 ; t rolling over yet brain. Relieves pressure on the flattened side of his neck problem he always lays with head... Little that corrected themselves to lift their own heads because of his to. And good company ( and reverse ) flat spots can occur when a baby & # ;! A molding helmet is a sign that parents are advised to begin repositioning does a baby's flat head correct itself straight away increase... As flat-head syndrome i would n't worry about it its own within the first few months cranio-sacral! Between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months and again at months! Months and 12 months great place to start the flat head also be the case for and. Positional moulding and deformities that occur during birth, these efforts are not always successful, and techniques. To your pediatrician because you have already said you did not to feel bad as people! See improvements to manage your childs health just for fun ) look funny, but sometimes treatment is needed prevent. Is needed spoke to another pediatrician who said it is never too late to efforts! Ofwhat to Expect editorial team andHeidi Murkoff, author ofWhat to Expect editorial team andHeidi,! Have failed or if the baby to change head positions more freely at the time insisted that the head round!