Infants have soft, pliable skulls that can change shape as a result of external pressure, and many babies who spend a lot of time resting in one position develop positional plagiocephaly, or flat spots on the head. While the condition often concerns parents, it is usually easy to correct, and it does not affect a baby's brain development.
Causes
A newborn may develop a temporarily misshapen head due to the pressure of passing through the birth canal, but the head usually goes back to normal within the first few weeks after birth, according to The Nemours Foundation. Flat spots that are not present at birth often develop because a baby spends a lot of time with his head resting in one position. This can happen when a baby always sleeps with his head to one side or when he spends a lot of time in a stroller, swing or against another firm surface. Some babies with flat spots have weak, short or tight neck muscles--a condition called torticollis--which makes them turn their heads to one side.
Diagnosis
Your baby's flat spot will probably be easy to see when you stand over her and view her head from the top. If the flat spot is on one side of her head, the ear on that side may also be pushed forward. In severe cases of plagiocephaly, a bulge may be noticeable on the side of the head that is not flattened, and the forehead may be misshapen, according to The Nemours Foundation. A doctor will often diagnose positional plagiocephaly after simply looking at a baby's head, but X-rays or other tests may be ordered if there is doubt about the baby's condition.
Home Treatment
Most of the time, parents can take simple measures at home to correct a baby's head shape. Your baby's doctor may recommend using a positioning wedge or rolled-up blanket to keep him off of the flat spot at night and during naps. It may help to move crib toys or other objects that catch your baby's attention to a position that will encourage him to turn his head off of the flat spot. Your baby will also benefit from being held more and spending less time in swings, bouncers and against other hard surfaces. Closely supervised tummy time can help take pressure off of your baby's head during the day as well.
Other Treatments
Rarely, a baby with severe plagiocephaly may need to wear a helmet or headband designed to mold her head back into shape. Most babies respond to home treatment and do not need these devices, but in certain cases, such as when a baby's facial features are becoming misshapen, they may be helpful. Helmet or band treatment works best when it is started between the ages of 4 and 6 months, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your baby needs to wear a device, he may have to wear it almost constantly for about 12 weeks.
Warning
Most flattened heads in babies are related to positional plagiocephaly and do not cause serious problems, but very rarely, a more serious condition may cause a misshapen head. It is a good idea to have a doctor examine your baby to rule out other problems. Unless your baby's doctor instructs you otherwise, do not place your baby on his stomach to sleep--this increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome, also called SIDS.
