My Baby Has A Flattened Head
Your newborn’s skull is thin and flexible making it easy to mould. It can be common for newborns to have an unusual shaped head and this usually goes back to a normal shape about six weeks after birth.
Your baby’s head can quickly develop flattened areas from constant pressure to one part of the head. Your newborn’s skull is thin and flexible making it easy to mould. It can be common for newborns to have an unusual shaped head and this usually goes back to a normal shape about six weeks after birth. Sometimes a baby’s head may not return to a normal shape and may develop a flattened head shape. If you have any concerns about your baby’s head shape talk to your doctor or child health nurse.
Three reasons why a flattened head area may occur in your baby:
1. Laying in one position or looking in one direction repeatedly or for long periods of time
2. Sitting in a propped up position for long periods. This can happen if your baby suffers from painful symptoms associated with Gastro Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD)
3. Pain associated from abnormal neck muscle development or tight neck muscles. This pain can cause your baby to favour lying in a pain-free position. This reduction in head movement to both sides can create muscle weakness and the resistance to turn increases.
Below are eight important steps to facilitate balanced muscle development and reduce the risk of a flattened head area developing:
1. Alternate the head position when laying your baby down
2. Lay your baby at alternate ends of the cot at sleep time
3. Allow for several periods of tummy time at every wake time
4. Change the position of toys when your baby is on the floor to encourage head movement to different angles
5. Vary the way you hold and carry your baby
6. Change the side that you wear a baby carry sling on if your baby spends a lot of time in it
7. When picking up your baby, approach them from different sides of the body
8. Visit a baby accredited Osteopath, Chiropractor or Physiotherapist to assess spinal alignment if you had a long or difficult birth, forceps assisted birth or birth by caesarean section. A visit could also be beneficial if your baby does not feed well from a particular side, hates tummy time, is a poor sleeper or has wind discomfort. Seek professional help EARLY if your baby’s head is becoming flattened; it has a definite tilt to one side or favours facing a certain direction.
Related articles
Nappy Changing Tips
No one is an instant expert at nappy changing - don’t worry there is plenty of opportunity to practice. Your baby may lie still, wiggle, kick and scream or do all three.
8 mins to read
10 Tips For Reframing Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts have a way of creeping in from time to time, which can make us doubt our path as parents. Read our tips to help reframe your thinking.
8 mins to read
Lonely Parents: How Can You Feel Alone With a Baby in Your Arms?
You never get a minute to yourself, yet you’ve never felt lonelier? Yes, that’s the paradox of lonely parents.
4 mins to read
Baby Eczema
The skin is your baby’s largest organ and plays a really important role in protecting your little one from external bacteria and infections.
3 mins to read
Thoughtful Gifts for New Parents
In this article, we will explore a variety of gift ideas for new parents that cater to different budgets.
4 mins to read
Massage for Newborns: Tips & Benefits
Do you love a good massage? Ever wondered if your baby would too? Massage can help your baby relax, encourage communication and help you bond.
7 mins to read
What To Do When Your Baby Has Diarrhoea
It is important to know what to expect in a nappy so you can then know when your baby’s poo is abnormal and may need healthcare professional advice.
2 mins to read
The Battle Against Parent Guilt and Other Emotions
If there’s one feeling that unites mums and dads all around the world in the rollercoaster of parenting emotions, it’s guilt—and most commonly it’s a mother’s guilt.
3 mins to read
Allergies in Children
Statistics show that Australia has one of the highest rates of allergies in the world, although it’s not entirely understood why.
8 mins to read
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a yellow crusty substance found on your baby’s scalp or eye brows that may be oily or dry to touch.
2 mins to read
Lactose Intolerance in Babies
Lactose intolerance is a clinical condition (not an allergy), with symptoms being associated with the digestive system, which is still maturing in young infants.
6 mins to read
Baby Thrush
Thrush is a fungal infection and can be found in your baby’s mouth, nappy area or under the chin. The fungus lives on the skin and usually causes no harm, but when conditions are favourable,&n
2 mins to read
Parent Shaming Online: What Parents Need to Know About Online Shaming
With social media providing a window into our lives for all to see, parent shaming online—or more commonly mum shaming—is something we need to all be aware of.
4 mins to read
Adjusting to Parenthood: The Shock of Becoming a Parent
Feeling tired all the time. The 24/7 care that is involved in looking after a newborn. The huge sense of responsibility that comes with being a parent. Sound familiar?
5 mins to read
Working Mother
Taking care of a newborn baby is a full-time job which requires dedication from you and your family.
4 mins to read
Baby Vaccinations and Immunisation Schedule
Fortunately parents do not have daily reminders of the chronic debilitation and deaths caused by diseases such as whooping cough, polio, measles and diphtheria.
3 mins to read
Is Shared Parenting the Future?
Sharing time with the kids. Sharing all housework. The mental load divided. Shared parenting may sound like the dream but is it really achievable?
4 mins to read
Baby Fever
When your baby has a fever it is naturally a concern.
4 mins to read
Reflux in Babies - Key Information
Reflux is when the contents from your baby’s stomach flow back up into their oesophagus or mouth (which may or may not include vomiting).
4 mins to read
