Baby head shape correction is a topic many parents care about. Since newborns have soft skulls, placing them on one side for extended periods can lead to flat head. This guide covers the causes of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly, correction methods, pillow effectiveness, and helmet therapy.

Types of Baby Head Deformity

There are three main types of head deformity in babies.

Type	Characteristics	Main Cause
Plagiocephaly	One side flat and asymmetrical	Positional preference (lying on one side)
Brachycephaly (Flat head)	Back of head uniformly flat	Extended back sleeping
Dolichocephaly	Head elongated vertically	Side sleeping

💡 Most head deformities are positional and often improve naturally with growth.

Causes of Baby Head Deformity

1. Positional Preference

Baby prefers looking one direction
Associated with torticollis (neck tilting)
About 90% of plagiocephaly cases involve torticollis

2. Sleep Position

Back sleeping for SIDS prevention increases flat heads
Habit of turning head to one side while sleeping

3. Prenatal Environment

Head pressure in the womb
More common in multiples and preterm babies

4. Other Factors

Muscular torticollis (neck muscle issue)
Rarely, craniosynostosis (pathological cause)

Timing for Head Shape Correction

Knowing the optimal correction timing is important.

Correction Timing Guide

Age	Characteristics	Recommended Action
0-2 months	Skull very soft	Position changes, start tummy time
3-6 months	Optimal for helmet therapy	Most effective period
6-12 months	Skull gradually hardening	Helmet effectiveness decreasing
After 12 months	Skull nearly fixed	Rely on natural correction

⚠️ Helmet therapy is most effective between 3-8 months. Missing this window significantly reduces effectiveness.

Home Correction Methods

1. Tummy Time

The most effective natural correction method.

How to Do Tummy Time

At least 30 minutes daily when awake
Start with 1-2 minutes initially
Begin on parent's chest
Use firm surface

Tummy Time Benefits

Reduces pressure on back of head
Strengthens neck, shoulder, and back muscles
Promotes motor development

2. Position Changes

Alternating Head Position

Change baby's head direction daily
Position protruding side down
Move mobiles and toys to different sides

Holding Positions

Alternate holding sides
Switch sides during feeding

3. Pillow Use Caution

There is controversy around head-shaping pillows.

Pillow Concerns

Suffocation risk (NIH and AAP warnings)
Lack of scientific evidence for effectiveness
Newborns can't turn their heads independently

Safe Use Tips

Only use while baby is awake
Only with constant parental supervision
Never during sleep

Helmet Therapy

Severe head deformities may benefit from helmet therapy.

What is Helmet Therapy?

A treatment using custom-made helmets based on 3D head scans. As the baby grows, the helmet restricts protruding areas while allowing space for flat areas to grow naturally.

Helmet Therapy Indications

No improvement after 4-8 weeks of repositioning
Moderate to severe asymmetry
Ear position or facial asymmetry present

Helmet Therapy Information

Item	Details
Optimal Start Age	3-6 months (ideal)
Wear Time	23 hours daily (except bathing)
Treatment Duration	Average 3-6 months
Cost	$3,000-4,500 (out of pocket)
Available Brands	Starband, DOC Band, etc.

Helmet Therapy Effectiveness

Studies show helmet therapy started at the right time has 85-90% success rates. However, effectiveness decreases if started after 6 months.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a specialist in these situations:

Noticeable head asymmetry
Torticollis symptoms (neck tilting to one side)
One ear appears more forward
Facial asymmetry present
Forehead prominent on one side only
No improvement after 4 weeks of repositioning

Craniosynostosis Warning Signs

Head abnormality within 24 hours of birth
Raised skull suture lines
Head circumference growth stopped
Developmental delays

Head Shape Correction Q&A

Q. Will an imperfect head shape cause problems later?

Mostly cosmetic; minimal health impact
Severe cases may affect glasses or helmet fit
Rarely associated with jaw issues

Q. Won't the helmet be uncomfortable for baby?

First 1-2 weeks is adaptation period
Most babies adjust well
Sweat and skin rash management needed

Q. Will it improve without a helmet?

Mild cases often improve with growth
Moderate+ cases have limited improvement
Head shape can change until age 2

Track Development with BebeSnap

Systematically manage your baby's growth and development with BebeSnap.

Growth Records: Track head circumference and other growth data
Health Notes: Record head shape changes and tummy time
Photo Records: Compare head shape changes with photos
AI Chatbot: Get answers to head shape correction questions

References

Baby Head Shape Correction | Flat Head, Plagiocephaly & Helmet Therapy Guide