Gina Johnson
Newborns can turn their heads while sleeping, but they often prefer to sleep with their heads turned to one side, which can lead to flat spots on their heads. This condition is known as positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome. It occurs due to the softness of the baby's skull and their weak neck muscles. To prevent flat head syndrome, parents are advised to alternate their baby's head position while sleeping and provide plenty of tummy time to strengthen neck muscles. As babies grow, they gain the ability to change their sleeping positions, reducing the risk of flat head syndrome.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Newborns' ability to turn their head while sleeping | Newborns can turn their heads while sleeping, but it takes a lot of energy for them to do so. They tend to turn their heads towards the door or window, and this can lead to a preference for sleeping with their head turned to one side. |
| Preventing flat head syndrome | To prevent flat head syndrome or positional plagiocephaly, parents can alternate their baby's head position each night or every 2-3 hours. They can also provide "tummy time" for the baby to strengthen neck muscles and limit time in strollers, car seats, and carriers. |
| Treatment for flat head syndrome | Flat head syndrome often improves with time and natural growth as babies start to change position during sleep. Physical therapy or exercises to strengthen neck muscles can also help treat flat head syndrome and torticollis. |
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What You'll Learn
Flat head syndrome
Newborns are often unable to turn their heads while sleeping. This can lead to flat head syndrome, also known as positional plagiocephaly, which is characterised by a flat spot on the back or side of the head. This condition usually occurs when a baby sleeps with their head turned to the same side during the first few months of life. The constant pressure on one part of the head can cause flattening.
To prevent flat head syndrome, it is recommended to alternate a baby's sleep position. This can be done by placing the baby's head at the head of the crib one night and then at the foot of the crib the next night. Another method is to vary the crib's position in the room, as babies tend to turn their heads towards the door or window. This will encourage the baby to turn their head in both directions. Additionally, it is important to provide "tummy time", where the baby lies on their stomach while awake during the day. This helps strengthen neck muscles and encourages the baby to push up on their arms, promoting the development of muscles needed for crawling and sitting up.
In some cases, flat head syndrome may be caused by tight neck muscles, a condition known as torticollis. This can make it difficult for babies to turn their heads, leading to flattening on one side. Treatment for torticollis may include physical therapy to loosen and strengthen neck muscles. In severe cases, corrective surgery may be required.
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Positional plagiocephaly
The most common cause of a flattened head is a baby's sleep position. Infants are on their backs for many hours every day, so the head sometimes flattens in one spot. This happens not only while they sleep but also from being in infant car seats, carriers, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats. Premature babies are more likely to have a flattened head, as their skulls are softer than those of full-term babies. They also spend a lot of time on their backs without being moved or picked up because of their medical needs.
Flat head syndrome can even start before birth if there is pressure on the baby's skull from the mother's pelvis or a twin. In fact, many babies from multiple births are born with heads that have some flat spots. It is also more common in premature births, as the skull bones of premature babies are softer. Many premature babies also spend a lot of time in the hospital on respirators with their heads in the same position.
The first steps in treating deformational plagiocephaly are changing the baby's sleep position, maximizing tummy time, and minimizing time in infant devices. Simple practices like changing a baby's sleep position, holding the baby, and providing lots of "tummy time" can help the condition go away. Tummy time helps babies strengthen their neck muscles and learn to push up on their arms. This helps develop the muscles needed for crawling and sitting up. Varying positions in the crib can also help. Most right-handed parents carry infants cradled in their left arms and lay them down with their heads to their left. In this position, the infant must turn to the right to look out into the room. Positioning the baby in the crib in this way encourages active turning of the head to the side that is not flattened.
If positional therapy does not work, a helmet or band therapy may be recommended. The original molding helmet, introduced in 1979, utilized the basic concept of surrounding the asymmetrical infant head with a symmetrical (normal) mold. Today, there are a far wider variety of bands and helmets, many of which take into consideration the concepts of the original molding helmets.
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Torticollis
It is common for newborns to prefer sleeping with their head turned to one side. While this is generally harmless, it can lead to flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) or, in some cases, torticollis.
Congenital torticollis is typically painless for infants and is often caused by crowding or an unusual position in the womb. These factors can put pressure on the baby's sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, a large, rope-like muscle that runs on both sides of the neck from the back of the ears to the collarbone.
Acquired torticollis may be harmless or indicative of a more serious health issue. It usually occurs within the first four to six months of a baby's life.
Babies with torticollis will generally act like other infants, except during activities that require turning their head. They may tilt their head to one side, have limited neck movement, or display uneven facial features. In some cases, a small neck lump or bump may develop, but this tends to disappear as the condition improves.
Treatment
If you suspect your baby has torticollis, consult a doctor. They may recommend simple position changes or gentle stretching exercises to loosen tight neck muscles and strengthen the underused ones. These exercises can be done at home, and the doctor will teach you how to perform them properly. It is important to practice these stretches several times a day and gradually increase the movements over time.
To encourage your baby to turn their head in both directions, position them to face the wall when putting them down to sleep. As babies prefer to look out into the room, they will actively turn away from the wall, stretching the tightened neck muscles. You can also hold toys or talk to your baby in a way that encourages them to look in the direction of limited neck mobility.
If these methods do not work, your baby's healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist or recommend physical therapy.
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Preventing flat head
A newborn's skull is very soft and pliable, which means that it can change shape easily. This can lead to a condition called positional plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, which is characterised by a flat spot on the back or side of the baby's head. This condition usually occurs when a baby sleeps with their head turned to the same side or spends a lot of time in car seats, carriers, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats.
Alternate Sleep Positions
One way to prevent flat head syndrome is to alternate your baby's head position each time they sleep. You can put them to sleep with their head at the head of the crib one night and then with their head at the foot of the crib the next night. This will give them practice turning their head in both directions. You can also vary the direction by considering what your baby might want to look at. For example, they may tend to turn their heads toward the door (to look for caregivers) or the window (to see the light).
Tummy Time
Providing plenty of supervised "tummy time" can help prevent flat head syndrome. It is recommended to give babies 10 to 15 minutes of tummy time at least 3 times a day. This helps strengthen their neck muscles and develop the muscles needed for crawling and sitting up. It is also important for your baby's overall physical development.
Limit Time in "Containers"
It is advisable to limit the time your baby spends in "containers" such as car seats, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats. These devices can restrict the baby's head movement and contribute to flat head syndrome. If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, for example, be sure to move them to a crib or bassinet when you get home.
Encourage Active Turning of the Head
You can encourage your baby to turn their head by playing with them from the side they least prefer. For example, you can sing, shake a rattle, or place toys near your baby on the side that you want them to turn towards. This will help strengthen the neck muscles and reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.
Physical Therapy and Exercises
If your baby has been diagnosed with torticollis, a condition that causes tight neck muscles and a strong preference for turning the head to one side, physical therapy and exercises may be recommended. This can include neck stretches and strengthening exercises to help improve your baby's range of motion and reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.
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Tummy time
It is important to place babies on their backs to sleep, to help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, babies who sleep with their heads turned to the same side during the first months of life may develop flat head syndrome or positional plagiocephaly. This condition can also occur when babies spend a lot of time on their backs without being moved or picked up, such as in infant car seats, carriers, strollers, swings, and bouncy seats.
To prevent flat head syndrome, simple practices like changing a baby's sleep position and providing plenty of "tummy time" can help. Tummy time is when a baby lies on their tummy with weight on their forearms, building head, neck, and upper body strength. It helps babies strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles, and prepare them for rolling, sitting, and crawling.
- Start tummy time soon after birth. In the first few weeks, try tummy time for 1-2 minutes, building up to 10-15 minutes several times a day.
- Place your baby on your chest or across your lap for a few minutes at a time, two to three times a day. As your baby gets used to it, you can increase the duration and frequency.
- Always stay with your baby during tummy time and do it on a low, safe surface. Avoid placing your baby on a sofa or bed, where they could roll off or suffocate on pillows or a soft surface.
- If your baby doesn't seem to enjoy tummy time, add some variety. Sing songs, keep colorful toys nearby, get down on the floor and make eye contact, and have others join you.
- Give your baby something to look at or play with while on their tummy. A mirror is a great idea, as it helps them see their reflection and reach for toys.
- Help your baby bear weight through their arms by keeping their elbows under their shoulders. You can place your hands under their chest and lift them up gently to help them push up.
- As your baby gets more comfortable with tummy time, place them belly-down more often or for longer periods of time. Experts recommend working up to about 1 hour of tummy time a day by the time they're 3 months old.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, newborn babies can turn their heads while sleeping. However, it takes a lot of energy for them to do so, and they may develop a preference for one side.
Babies like to have something interesting to look at, so they may turn their heads to look out into their room or towards the door or window. They also have weak neck muscles, so they tend to turn their heads to one side when placed on their back.
If a baby always sleeps with their head turned to the same side, they may develop a flat spot on their head, known as positional plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome. This happens because a baby's skull is very soft during the first few months of life.
To prevent your baby from developing a flat head, change their sleeping position regularly. Alternate the direction their head is facing each night or every few days. You can also try putting a mobile on the side of the crib to encourage them to look in different directions.
If your baby has developed a flat spot on their head, simple practices like changing their sleep position, holding them frequently, and providing plenty of )"tummy time" can help improve the shape of their head over time. In some cases, physical therapy or a specialist may be recommended.
