Having a baby is no less than a blessing. Whether you are prepared or not, things after a newborn will change forever. Many times, you will also come across things that can surprise you to a great extent. One of the issues is the shape of the baby’s head. The funny thing is that the head shape of a newborn can be a little different. However, within a few weeks or months, they may look normal.
Since a slight change in the head shape is normal, in certain cases, it can turn into the baby’s head shape disease. Keep in mind that some issues are temporary and easily go away on their own. As mentioned, in rare cases, this issue can be a little concerning. To find out more, continue reading this post.
Normal Baby Head Shapes
A newborn’s skull is made up of soft, flexible bones with open sutures (gaps) to allow for brain growth. Some common normal variations include:
- Mild flattening (from sleeping on the back)
- Slight cone shape (after vaginal birth, usually resolves in weeks)
- Asymmetry due to positioning (from favoring one side)
These typically improve on their own with time and repositioning
What are the reasons for the different head shapes of the baby?
Always remember that the change in the head shape can be caused by several reasons. Below, we have highlighted some common scenarios:
- Birth
Whether you have a planned C-section or you are in labor for longer hours before the vaginal delivery, this can have a significant impact on the shape of the baby’s head when he comes out. Remember that the heads of the babies are designed to be slightly squishable and moldable so that they can easily pass the birth canal.
Additionally, a baby’s head is made up of various flat bones. Hence, a change in the head shape is possible. Thankfully, this is just a temporary issue and can easily be fixed within a few weeks or months after the birth. Even the soft spot on the top of the head will be filled automatically. And it is not alarming at all.
- Positional head change
According to the physiotherapists in Delhi, sleeping babies on their backs is the safest position. However, when you place your baby for a longer period in this position, it can lead to changes in the head’s shape. Fortunately, this will be on a temporary basis. The flat of a baby is slightly flat when they are born or may be up to a couple of months.
This is the most common scenario, known as positional plagiocephaly. Babies can have a flattened head due to back sleeping, excessive time lying in the stroller, rocker, or car seat, sleeping on one side of the head, muscular torticollis (tight muscles of the neck), and more. However, these issues can be fixed after a few weeks,
- Birth defect
As per the physiotherapists in Delhi, when a baby’s loose joints do not get normal by the age of 2, it will be an alarming situation. This condition can be due to a birth defect, known as craniosynostosis. This is a rare condition where the skull joins too early. When this happens, the brain of baby will not be developed fully.
This baby’s head shape disease can lead to brain damage, blindness, and seizures. Furthermore, this condition will have different consequences. For instance, the head of the baby will grow a little narrower and longer and resulting in scaphocephaly. They can also have a flatter forehead and turn into a changed face and eyes. Lastly, the head may also be flat or triangular.
How are head shape and related issues treated?
When this condition occurs, you can take one of the following treatment options to make the head’s shape of your baby better:
Physiotherapy solutions
Even though there is no specific treatment is available to change the baby’s head shape, you can consult a physiotherapist in Delhi to see better results. Always keep in mind that swelling and bumps on the baby’s head can go away within 15-20 days after the birth.
Home-based treatment
When you consult with an expert, you will be told that there is no specific medicine for this work. Instead, you will be suggested to do the following home remedies to make the shape of the baby’s head better. These include the following:
- Change the sleeping position of the baby frequently.
- Do not place any cloth or cushion under their head.
- Hold the baby upright in different positions during the daytime.
- Use a noisy or bright toy around the baby so that they can turn their head a little.
- Giving tummy time regularly is mandatory to make their neck muscles better and stronger.
- When advised, you can use a mustard seed-based pillow to improve the head’s shape.
Use baby helmets
You might have seen babies wearing cute cyclist-type helmets. Well! These are designed to gently hold and mold the shape of the baby’s head. When used correctly, it will make the baby’s head symmetrical and rounder.
When the head of the baby is flat or not changed even after 4 months of birth, a pediatrician is more likely to suggest a helmet. However, before suggesting it, they will conduct a thorough check, along with an X-ray.
How to Prevent & Improve Head Shape
- Increase Tummy Time (supervised, 3-5 times daily)
- Alternate Head Position during sleep (left/right)
- Hold Baby Upright to reduce pressure
- Use a Firm, Flat Mattress (avoid pillows or positioners)
When to See a Doctor
Consult a pediatrician if your baby has:
✔ Severe or worsening asymmetry
✔ A hard ridge on the skull (possible craniosynostosis)
✔ Delayed milestones (e.g., not lifting head by 3-4 months)
✔ Bulging or sunken soft spots (fontanelles)
✔ No improvement with repositioning
In conclusion: When to see an expert?
Regular check-ups are essential for babies. During visits, pediatricians will check the head size to see if there is something unusual or not. Besides, you should immediately contact an expert or a child Physiotherapist in Delhi if you notice something weird, like a swollen or bulging soft spot, sunken soft spot, raised or firm edges, changes in the shape of the body, and more. For more details and specialized assistance, you can get in touch with PHYSIOREVIVE.
