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Flat Spot on Baby’s Head: Should I Be Concerned?
Flat Spot on Baby's Head: Should I Be Concerned?
If you’ve noticed a flat spot on your baby’s head, you’re not alone. Flat spots are relatively common during infancy and are often the result of babies spending extended periods resting in the same position. While a flat spot on a baby’s head can be concerning for parents, early recognition and simple strategies can often help support healthy head shape development.
In many cases, a flat spot is related to a condition called positional plagiocephaly, commonly known as flat head syndrome. It may also be associated with a baby preferring to look one way or a condition called torticollis, where muscles on one side of the neck become tight.
The good news is that there are many practical steps parents can take at home to encourage balanced movement and healthy development.
What Is a Flat Spot on a Baby's Head?
A flat spot on a baby’s head occurs when one area of the skull experiences repeated pressure over time.
Because a baby’s skull is soft and rapidly developing during the first year of life, prolonged pressure on one area can gradually alter the shape of the head.
Flat spots most commonly occur:
✔ On the back of the head
✔ On one side of the back of the head
✔ In babies who consistently rest in the same position
✔ In babies who prefer looking one direction
The medical term for this condition is positional plagiocephaly.
Why Does My Baby Have a Flat Spot?
Several factors can contribute to the development of a flat spot.
Positional Preference
One of the most common causes is a baby consistently looking or resting in the same direction.
If your baby prefers looking one way, repeated pressure on the same area of the skull can gradually create a flat spot.
Torticollis
Torticollis occurs when muscles on one side of the neck become tight, making it more difficult for a baby to comfortably turn their head both ways.
This often results in babies spending more time resting on one side of their head.
Time Spent in Containers
Capsules, car seats, swings, and bouncers are important tools for safety and convenience. However, spending extended periods in these positions may increase pressure on the back of the head.
Limited Tummy Time
Tummy time helps reduce pressure on the back of the skull while strengthening the muscles needed for healthy movement and development.
Can Looking One Way Cause a Flat Head?
Yes. One of the most common reasons babies develop a flat spot on their head is because they consistently look or rest in the same position.
Repeated pressure on one area of the skull may contribute to flattening over time. This is why parents are often encouraged to monitor their baby’s head position and provide opportunities for movement in both directions.
If your baby prefers looking one way, you may also find our article Baby Prefers Looking One Way: Should I Be Concerned? helpful.
What Is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is the medical term used to describe flattening of one side of the head.
Positional plagiocephaly is the most common form and develops when repeated pressure is placed on one area of the skull during infancy.
Signs may include:
✔ Flattening on one side of the back of the head
✔ Uneven head shape
✔ One ear appearing slightly further forward
✔ Mild facial asymmetry
Early recognition often provides the best opportunity to support healthy head shape development.
Can a Flat Head Correct Itself?
In many cases, mild flat spots improve naturally as babies become more mobile and spend less time resting in one position.
As babies learn to:
✔ Roll
✔ Sit
✔ Crawl
✔ Pull to stand
Pressure on the skull becomes more evenly distributed.
Many mild flat spots improve as babies become more mobile and spend less time resting in one position. However, the degree of improvement varies between children, and not all cases will fully resolve without intervention. In some situations, healthcare providers may recommend additional management strategies, including repositioning techniques, physiotherapy, chiropractic or helmet therapy.
Early recognition and appropriate management often provide the best opportunity to support healthy head shape development and achieve the best possible outcomes.
What Can Parents Do at Home?
There are several practical strategies parents can use to support healthy head shape development.
Encourage Tummy Time
Tummy time is one of the most effective ways to reduce pressure on the back of the head while strengthening the neck, shoulders, and upper back.
Aim for regular supervised tummy time sessions throughout the day.
Encourage Looking Both Directions
Place toys, mirrors, and family members on the side your baby is less likely to look towards.
This can help encourage balanced neck movement and reduce pressure on one area of the skull.
Alternate Positions
Vary your baby’s position during feeding, play, and sleep preparation routines.
Small changes can help distribute pressure more evenly.
Reduce Time in Containers
Where practical, minimise prolonged periods in capsules, swings, and bouncers to allow more opportunities for movement and exploration.
When Should Parents Seek Professional Advice?
It may be worth seeking professional advice if:
✔ The flat spot appears to be worsening
✔ Your baby consistently prefers looking one way
✔ You notice a head tilt
✔ Your baby struggles to turn their head equally in both directions
✔ You have concerns about your baby’s head shape or development
Early assessment can help identify contributing factors and provide guidance tailored to your baby’s needs.
Supporting Healthy Head Shape and Development
Healthy head shape development is closely linked to movement, tummy time, neck mobility, and overall musculoskeletal development.
If your baby prefers looking one way, has developed a flat spot, or shows signs of neck tightness, supporting balanced movement patterns may be beneficial.
To learn more, you may find these resources helpful:
Baby Prefers Looking One Way: Should I Be Concerned?
Baby Spine Curves – What’s Normal?
If you’d like to learn more about how a Baby Chiropractor Newcastle may support your child’s musculoskeletal development, visit our dedicated page for further information.
Flat Spot on Baby's Head - FAQ
Is it normal for babies to have a flat spot on their head?
Yes. Mild flat spots are relatively common during infancy, particularly during the first few months of life when babies spend significant time lying on their backs.
Can a flat head correct itself naturally?
Many mild cases of a flat spot on a baby’s head improve as babies become more mobile and spend less time resting in one position.
However, not all cases will fully correct on their own. Some babies may require additional intervention, including helmet therapy. Early recognition and management often provide the best opportunity to support healthy head shape development and achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape, it is always advisable to seek professional advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
At what age is it too late to correct a flat head?
The greatest opportunity for improvement typically occurs during infancy while the skull is still rapidly developing. If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape, it is best to seek advice sooner rather than later.
Does tummy time help a flat head?
Yes. Tummy time helps reduce pressure on the back of the skull while encouraging neck strength, movement, and healthy development.
Can torticollis cause a flat head?
Yes. Torticollis can make it difficult for a baby to turn their head equally in both directions, increasing the likelihood of repeated pressure on one area of the skull.
Should I worry about a flat spot on my baby's head?
Most flat spots are mild and improve over time. However, if the flat spot appears to be worsening, is associated with a head tilt, or your baby consistently prefers looking one way, it may be worth seeking professional advice.
Is it normal for babies to have a flat spot on their head?
Yes. Mild flat spots are relatively common during infancy, particularly during the first few months of life when babies spend significant time lying on their backs.
Can a Flat Head Correct Itself Naturally?
Many mild cases of a flat spot on a baby’s head improve as babies become more mobile and spend less time resting in one position.
However, not all cases will fully correct on their own. Some babies may require additional intervention, including helmet therapy. Early recognition and management often provide the best opportunity to support healthy head shape development and achieve the best possible outcomes.
If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape, it is always advisable to seek professional advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
At what age is it too late to correct a flat head?
The greatest opportunity for improvement typically occurs during infancy while the skull is still rapidly developing. If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape, it is best to seek advice sooner rather than later.
Does tummy time help a flat head?
Yes. Tummy time helps reduce pressure on the back of the skull while encouraging neck strength, movement, and healthy development.
Can torticollis cause a flat head?
Yes. Torticollis can make it difficult for a baby to turn their head equally in both directions, increasing the likelihood of repeated pressure on one area of the skull.
Should I worry about a flat spot on my baby's head?
Most flat spots are mild and improve over time. However, if the flat spot appears to be worsening, is associated with a head tilt, or your baby consistently prefers looking one way, it may be worth seeking professional advice.
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