Following the successful introduction of ‘Back to Sleep’ advice in the 1990’s, clinicians report an increase in incidences of head flattening in babies, sometimes referred to as plagiocephaly. Head flattening is normally a result of external pressure on a baby’s soft skull. It can be asymmetrical and more to one side or seen at the back of the head causing a posterior widening.

The NHS website reports that head flattening is common and affects 1 in 5 babies. Knowing that this can happen, new parents can follow simple steps to try and prevent or minimise head flattening.

Our tips to prevent head flattening:

1. Change your baby’s position regularly, avoiding long periods of time in equipment such as car seats, reclined chairs and prams where the back of the head is in contact with a firm surface.

2. Wear your baby. Slings and carriers are a great way of changing the external pressure on a baby’s head.  For safe baby wearing advice see: http://www.slingpages.co.uk/

3. Introduce tummy time from birth and give daily opportunities for your baby to be off the back of their head when carrying, holding and playing. For more information on tummy time see our blog post Tips for Tummy Time Success

4. Mix it up. By changing your baby’s environment and the way your approach daily cares you will naturally be encouraging your baby to change their head position. For example, alternate sides when feeding, changing and holding your baby. Move the position of your baby in their cot/crib so that mobiles, light or their favourite toy (most likely mummy) is not always encouraging a head turned to the same side.

5. If concerned seek early intervention from someone experienced in working with babies. Early intervention whilst a baby’s head remains soft will normally result in a better outcome.

Please note that most head flattening is due to external moulding, however in rare cases it can be due to a condition where a baby’s skull doesn’t grow properly. We would always suggest that before seeking intervention you consult your Health Visitor or GP to rule out a more structural cause.