He may recommend the use of a helmet to correct the head shape of the baby, especially if your baby is above the age of 6-8 months of age. If the unevenness of your baby’s head does not improve despite all the above-mentioned rectification methods, speak to your paediatrician for an alternative solution. In fact, pillows, soft toys and loose beddings should be kept away from the baby’s bed as they could obstruct the little one’s breathing process. However, the use of a pillow for infants below the age of 12 months is not recommended as it could lead to the risk of suffocation. Many mothers use a newborn baby head shape pillow, which is horseshoe shaped, to try and alter the flat shape of their baby’s head. Make sure you change his head direction frequently so the flat portion does not remain depressed for long periods. While breastfeeding or bottle-feeding the baby, you will have a favourite side that you prefer to keep him at.Increase this time to at least 30 minutes a couple of times every day. Make sure he does this under your supervision. As he grows, increase this time and you can play and talk to him while he is placed on the stomach. As the baby’s neck muscles get stronger, allow him to spend some time, a minute or two, on his tummy.This is important since lying on his side could obstruct his breathing which could be dangerous. You will then be able to supervise his position and he will rest at a different angle too. When the baby sleeps during the day under your watchful eye, encourage him to lie on his side as much as possible.If he loves looking at the lamp or the fan, move the crib or basket in the opposite direction, so the head turns in that direction and his head is no more on the flat side. Hold a rattle or a toy in the other direction if you notice your child is focussed on one side for long periods.By alternating the direction of placement, it will ensure that he does not remain in the same position for too long. If your baby sleeps in a crib or a basket, make sure your baby isn’t turned towards one direction for long by turning it around regularly.The following easy-to-follow remedies can be useful in treating your infant’s uneven head shape: Through counter-positioning or repositioning, while your little one is sleeping, playing or feeding, the flat areas of your baby’s head can be reshaped. Remedies to Treat a Baby’s Uneven Head ShapeĪnxious parents can take heart from the fact that their baby’s uneven head shape isn’t going to be a permanent one and it can be altered into a rounded one through simple remedies. As the baby grows, he will have better neck and head control and will be able to distribute the pressure on his skull in an even manner. As a parent, you should be aware but not unduly worried about it as this will take away the fun and excitement of becoming a parent. Fortunately, a flat head does not cause any kind of brain damage nor does it alter the baby’s physical and mental development in any way. It is known as positional moulding and is noticeable when the baby is viewed from the sides or from the top. Is an Odd Head Shape a Cause for Worry?Īlthough your baby’s odd-shaped head isn’t a cause for worry, it does seem like a cosmetic issue, especially when the child grows up. This spot will usually close after about 18 months of age. The soft spot at the top of the head is much more obvious to touch and can be seen as a tiny dip of skin. The fontanelle, which is at the back of the infant’s head, will close at around six weeks. Your newborn baby’s head has two soft spots, one on the top and the other at the back. How Long Does an Infant’s Head Shape Take to Fully Develop This could also lead to a flat or odd-shaped head. If you are carrying twins or triplets, the babies have lesser space to move around as they have to share the womb. Low amniotic fluid in the mother’s womb is another reason for your baby having a misshaped head as there is less cushioning and support. While coming out of the birth canal, there are chances of the head becoming misshapen. If the baby is premature, his head will be soft and the bones will not be fully formed. Prematurity is also another cause for a baby’s uneven head shape.
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