Preventing Flat Head Syndrome in Babies

Babies developing flat head syndrome typically show flattening at the back or side of their skull. The most common types of flat head syndrome are plagiocephaly and brachycephaly. Because the skull bones are still soft, shape changes are possible and any flattening that develops can be partially reversed. This flattening can develop for a variety of reasons. Over the years, the number of babies developing flat head syndrome has increased, with now 1 in 25 babies affected.

The recommendation to place babies on their backs to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) remains critically important and should always be followed. However, prolonged back-lying during both day and night can contribute to flat head development — an unintended side effect of this positioning. Follow this informative guide to learn the best ways to prevent and treat flat head syndrome before serious flattening occurs.

Simple Ways to Prevent and Treat a Flat Head

1. Vary your baby’s head position in the cot

Something as simple as repositioning your baby can make a real difference in preventing flat head syndrome. Babies with flat heads tend to spend too much time placing pressure on the same part of their skull. It is important to remember that babies should always sleep on their backs, but parents can still encourage their baby’s head to turn to different positions.

For example, changing the position of toys hanging above the cot can help determine which part of the head your baby rests on. Additionally, alternating the direction your baby lies in the cot can help prevent flat head syndrome. For more advice on how to prevent plagiocephaly through repositioning, be sure to check out our repositioning guide.

2. Plenty of tummy time throughout the day

While placing a baby on their back is important for sleep, supervised tummy time encourages the development of important neck and shoulder muscles while giving your baby’s head a rest. For tips on how to make this fun for your baby, read our tummy time guide and make these activities a regular habit.

3. Alternate feeding positions

When researching how to prevent plagiocephaly in babies, many parents may not realise the difference simple changes can make. One such change is to vary feeding positions — in particular, avoid always holding your baby on the same arm during bottle-feeding. This will prevent your little one from resting the same part of their head against you. You may already do this naturally, but this simple repositioning technique is a great way to help prevent babies from developing a flat head.

4. Carry your baby and limit time in car seats

Ultimately, the more time a baby spends lying on their back — in a car seat, bouncer, or cot — the greater the likelihood of flattening. To counter this, rather than keeping your baby lying down constantly, we recommend carrying them in your arms or using a sling or carrier to consciously reduce the time their head is under pressure on the same surface.

Additionally, as soon as a journey is over, remove your baby from the car seat to relieve the external pressure on their head. Car seat manufacturers advise that a baby should not remain in a seat for more than 1.5–2 hours without a break.

5. Cranial helmet therapy

Despite preventive measures, flat head syndrome can still develop. In severe cases, further treatment may be required. If repositioning techniques prove unsuccessful, CranioWell clinicians assess the severity of the flattening and decide whether a cranial helmet is required. That said, this is only recommended when repositioning has failed and the condition is considered serious but still treatable.

Sometimes, the activities and steps taken to improve a baby’s flat head are not sufficient on their own. For children who develop flat head syndrome, helmets not only prevent the condition from worsening but also actively correct it. The helmet guides the natural growth of the baby’s skull towards a more typical head shape. These are advanced cranial reshaping devices that gently and effectively correct head shape in a pain-free way. Our CranioWell helmet is custom-made for every baby and every head shape.

We hope these techniques help you understand how to prevent a flat head. In most cases, repositioning and tummy time can be successful. For babies who still show significant flattening or whose condition continues to worsen despite repositioning techniques, we recommend seeking an appointment at a cranial treatment centre or a relevant specialist clinic. A clinician will advise you on whether your little one could benefit from a cranial helmet.