Generally, you usually don't need to worry about your baby's head shape. It's normal for a newborn's head to appear misshapen after birth and during the first few months of life.
Why Babies' Heads Can Be Misshapen
A baby's skull is soft and pliable. This flexibility allows the head to mold and pass through the birth canal more easily. This molding can result in various temporary head shapes. Furthermore, after birth, babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs, which can also influence the shape.
When to Expect Improvement
In most cases, a baby's head shape will naturally round out within a few weeks or months as they begin to move their head more and spend less time lying in one position.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most head shape variations are normal and resolve on their own, it's a good idea to consult your pediatrician if you notice any of the following:
- Flattening that seems severe or doesn't improve with repositioning.
- Ridges or hard spots on the skull.
- Restricted neck movement.
- Facial asymmetry.
Your pediatrician can assess the situation and rule out any underlying medical conditions such as craniosynostosis (premature fusion of the skull bones) or torticollis (tight neck muscles).
What Can Be Done If Needed
If a condition like plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) persists and is deemed significant, your doctor might recommend:
- Repositioning techniques: Encouraging your baby to spend time on their tummy (tummy time) when awake and supervised, and alternating the side on which they sleep.
- Physical therapy: To address any neck muscle tightness.
- Helmet therapy: In more severe cases, a custom-made helmet can help gently reshape the skull.
Key Takeaway
In the vast majority of cases, a slightly misshapen head in a baby is a temporary condition that resolves on its own. However, trust your instincts and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
