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Preventing Baby’s Head from Flattening
Pediatricians and child health organizations agree that healthy babies should be placed on their
backs to sleep for naps and at nighttime, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
(SIDS). But babies who are always on their backs can sometimes develop flat spots on their
head (plagiocephaly). Most cases of positional plagiocephaly can be prevented (and sometimes
corrected) by repositioning your baby to relieve pressure on the back of the head. Here are some
tips and techniques from the experts to keep in mind as you care for your baby:
• Change the location of your baby’s sleeper or crib in the room, so she has to look in different
directions to see the door, or the window, or interesting things going on around her.
• When your baby is awake, provide opportunities for adult-supervised “tummy time” play.
Playing on his tummy helps take the pressure off the back of his head, which will help prevent
flat spots from developing. Tummy time play also helps your baby’s head, neck and shoulder
muscles get stronger as part of normal development.
• Try tummy time two or three times a day, for short periods of time, until your baby gets used to
being on her tummy. Once your baby begins to enjoy this position, try longer periods of time or
increase the frequency of tummy time play.
• Help your baby avoid resting his head in the same position all the time by frequently changing
the direction he lies in the crib. For example, have your baby’s feet point toward one end of the
crib for a few days, and then change the position so his feet point toward the other end of the
crib. This will encourage your baby to turn and look in different directions.
• Try to minimize the amount of time your baby spends in car seats, carriers and bouncy seats
while awake.
• Lastly, make sure you enjoy lots of “cuddle time” with your baby by holding her upright over
your shoulder.
For additional information on positional plagiocephaly and the benefits of tummy time play for
your baby, speak with your pediatrician or family physician.
National Institute of Health (NIH) Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
