Head Shape
Preventing Flat Head Formation in Babies
Practical ways to reduce flat head risk: vary crib orientation, do tummy time, alternate feeding sides, limit container time, and know when helmets help.
Babies developing flat head typically show flattening on the back or side of the head. The most common types are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. Because infant skull bones are still soft, shape can change—and some flattening can improve. Flat head can develop for several reasons. Over the years, more babies have been affected; roughly 1 in 25 babies may show notable flattening in some reports.
Placing babies on their backs to sleep remains essential for reducing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should always be followed. Spending long periods on the back day and night, however, can contribute to flat head as an unintended side effect. Use this guide to help prevent severe flattening and learn practical prevention and care steps.
Simple Ways to Help Prevent and Address Flat Head
- Change head orientation in the crib
Simple repositioning can make a meaningful difference. Babies with flat spots often spend too much time pressing the same area. Infants should always sleep on their backs, but parents can still encourage looking both ways.
For example, moving hanging toys can influence which way your baby turns. Changing your baby’s head-to-foot direction in the crib also helps. For more repositioning advice, see our repositioning and tummy time guide.
- Plenty of supervised tummy time during the day
Back sleeping is vital for sleep safety, but supervised tummy time rests the back of the head and builds important neck and shoulder muscles. Read our tummy time guide for tips that make these activities fun and habitual.
- Alternate feeding positions
When learning how to reduce plagiocephaly risk, parents may underestimate small changes. One of them is alternating feeding sides—especially with bottle feeding, avoid always holding your baby on the same arm. That prevents continuous leaning on the same head region. You may already do this naturally; it is still a useful prevention habit.
- Hold your baby and limit long car-seat time
The more time a baby spends lying on the back or in a car seat/carrier, the higher the chance of flattening. Consciously reduce continuous pressure by holding your baby or using a carrier/sling when appropriate.
As soon as a trip ends, take your child out of the car seat to relieve external pressure. Manufacturers often advise against leaving a baby in a seat for more than about 1.5–2 hours without a break.
- Cranial helmet therapy
Despite prevention efforts, flat head can still develop. In more advanced cases, further care may be needed. If repositioning is not enough, CranioWell clinicians assess severity and discuss whether a cranial helmet is appropriate. This is usually recommended only when repositioning has not been sufficient and the condition is significant but treatable.
Home activities sometimes cannot fully correct established flattening. Helmets can help limit worsening and guide natural growth toward a more typical shape. These are advanced cranial remolding devices intended for gentle, non-painful guidance. CranioWell helmets are custom-made for each baby and fitted only at CranioWell Orthotics & Prosthetics Centers.
We hope these techniques help you understand how to reduce flat head risk. In many cases, repositioning and tummy time are enough. If severe flattening persists or worsens despite these steps, schedule an appointment at a cranial care center. Clinicians can advise whether your child may benefit from a cranial helmet.