You should not force your baby's head to turn or stay in one position, but rather encourage them to actively turn their head themselves.
Understanding Baby's Head Positioning
It's crucial for a baby's development and to prevent flat spots (plagiocephaly) to encourage them to turn their head actively. Using devices that hold their head in one place is not recommended. Instead, you can influence head turning by strategically positioning the baby in the crib.
How to Encourage Active Head Turning
- Positioning: Place your baby in the crib so that they naturally look towards the side you want them to turn their head to. For example, position them so that the light or an interesting object is on the side you want them to face.
- Change Positions: Vary the way your baby is positioned in the crib. This will encourage them to turn their head to the other side to look around.
- Avoid Devices: Do not use wedges or other devices intended to keep your baby's head still. These devices can be dangerous and are not recommended.
- Tummy Time: Supervised tummy time while awake can help develop neck strength and can also help to encourage head turning when the baby is on their back.
Why Active Head Turning Matters
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Development | Encourages neck strength and movement. |
| Prevention | Helps prevent flat spots on the head. |
| Natural Movement | Allows the baby to discover their own preferred positions, encouraging natural development without external constraints. |
What NOT to Do
- Forceful Turning: Do not manually turn your baby's head and keep it in that position.
- Wedges and Positioning Devices: Avoid using any kind of device to fix your baby's head in place.
- Ignoring Head Preference: Pay attention to your baby's natural preferences, and encourage more movement, rather than forcing one side.
By encouraging active head turning rather than forcing it, you promote healthy development and prevent potential issues.
