- Babies are sometimes born with imperfectly shaped heads, which can become more noticeable due to the Back to Sleep program (important for SIDS - Sudden Infant Death Syndrome - prevention but increases time spent on the back of the head).
- Babies can also develop flat spots or unusual head shapes due to positional plagiocephaly, or how they lie down.
- In some cases, abnormal head shape may signal craniosynostosis, a more serious condition that requires specialist evaluation.
- Management can include repositioning, helmets, or physical therapy (for issues like stiff necks), depending on the cause.
- Parents should seek medical guidance if a baby’s head shape looks progressively abnormal, to rule out more serious conditions and find appropriate treatment.
Newborn Head Shape
Babies are sometimes born with imperfectly shaped heads. So when should you be concerned?
Matthew Vestal, MD, MBA, MHS, Neurosurgery
