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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 heads (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
Preventing Baby’s Head from Flattening
