A baby's head is often not perfectly round at birth and can appear uneven or flat.
Why a Baby's Head Shape Varies
The shape of a newborn's head is often affected by several factors:
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Vaginal Delivery: The birth canal can put pressure on the baby's head, causing it to elongate or become cone-shaped. This is due to the flexibility of the skull bones, which are not yet fused.
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Position in Utero: The baby's position inside the womb during the later stages of pregnancy can also influence head shape.
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Torticollis: Tight neck muscles (torticollis) can cause a baby to favor turning their head to one side, leading to positional plagiocephaly (flattening on one side of the head).
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Prematurity: Premature babies have softer skulls than full-term babies, making them more susceptible to changes in head shape.
What to Expect and When to Be Concerned
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Temporary Changes: Minor irregularities in head shape are typically temporary and resolve on their own within a few weeks as the baby grows and spends time in different positions.
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Positional Plagiocephaly: Flattening on one side of the head is called positional plagiocephaly. Mild cases often correct themselves with repositioning techniques.
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When to Consult a Doctor: Consult a pediatrician if you notice:
- Significant flattening of the head.
- Restricted neck movement.
- Facial asymmetry.
- No improvement in head shape after several weeks of repositioning.
Repositioning Techniques
Simple repositioning techniques can help to reshape a baby's head:
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Tummy Time: Supervised tummy time helps strengthen neck muscles and prevents pressure on the back of the head.
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Varying Sleep Position: Alternate the direction your baby's head faces each night while sleeping on their back (the recommended safe sleep position).
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Changing Feeding Positions: Alternate the arm you use to hold your baby during feeding.
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Encouraging Head Turning: Use toys and sounds to encourage your baby to turn their head in both directions.
While a perfectly round head may be the ideal, a slightly uneven or flattened head is common in newborns and often resolves naturally. It's essential to monitor your baby's head shape and consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
