Baby's Head is Getting Flat? Here's What You Need to Know

Your Baby's Head Flattening is a Symptom - Not the Whole Story

As a pediatric physical therapist, many of the families that I work with are worried about their baby’s head shape. Head flattening can feel stressful especially when many families are told to "just do more tummy time", to "wait-and-see" or that a helmet is the the solution. When none of these responses are actually helpful to the family, proactive, or really address the true issue of what is going on. Why is there head flattening in the first place? Head flattening is usually a symptom of an underlying movement issue. It is not the root problem itself.

When babies develop head flattening (plagiocephaly or brachycephaly), it’s most often related to how they move, rest, turn their head, tolerate tummy time, or interact with their environment. This can start in utero and then be exacerbated by the birthing process and newborn life. Things like limited neck and body mobility, asymmetrical strength, low muscle tone, use of container toys, colic and reflux, or difficulty changing positions can all contribute. If we don’t address those underlying movement patterns, we’re missing a big piece of the picture.

This is why early referral to physical therapy matters so much.

When families bring their newborn to PT we can often make significant changes to head shape without a helmet. And in the process also support optimal development, feeding skills, motor skills, baby's comfort, and parent's stress levels. Research supports that early intervention focused on positioning, mobility, strength, and motor development can significantly improve head shape during this period of rapid brain and skull growth. Babies’ skulls are incredibly malleable early on and gentle movement-based care works with their natural development. Not to mention, this early and proactive support and education has the ability to positively impact the postpartum experience of the family unit.

Physical therapy at Be Well Bebé is not harsh stretches and cry-it-out exericses. It’s a gentle holistic approach that supports the whole baby and the whole family. We look at how your baby's whole body moves, quality of sleep, feeding and oral motor skills, reflexes, play and milestones, and co-regulation. We utilize gentle, manual therapies, targeted handling, functional strengthening, carefully selected toys and more to engage your baby in play and movement that will help them thrive. Each session includes discussion and education to empower caregivers with simple, realistic strategies that fit into daily life — not more things to stress about.

When PT is the first stop:

• We address the root cause, not just the appearance (but we address that part too)

• We often avoid the need for helmet therapy

• Families save time, money, and stress

• Babies develop better movement foundations that supports better feeding, sleeping, bowel movements, and milestones

If you’re noticing head flattening, limited movement, head turning preference, or asymmetrical skills in your baby, know that you don’t have to “wait and see.” Book a free, virtual "meet-and-greet" or an initial evaluation today to take that powerful first step for your baby's health and wellness.