Why Does My Baby Suddenly Have a Flat Head?
Bringing home a baby is one of the most beautiful experiences in life… Not to mention absolutely terrifying. You’re navigating the scary, uncertain days of living with a newborn. And your babe is the most perfect, adorable creature you’ve ever laid eyes on.
You’re doing everything right.
Baby sleeps alone. You lay the little doll on his back any time he’s not in your arms. You’d never dream of putting extra things like blankets and stuffed animals in the crib.
But, wait.If you’re doing everything right…
🤔Why does your baby have a flat head?
He’s the cutest, squishiest little thing. You’re doing it all to protect his fragile body. And now you’ve found a flat spot on the back of his head.
It’s only the size of a quarter… but it’s big enough to make you lose sleep. And spend countless hours in a panic – constantly checking his head to see if anything has changed. Not to mention, run to Dr. Google to figure out what’s going on.
After seeing the flat head on your baby, you think he has flat head syndrome.
Cue: fast heartbeat, worries spiraling out of control, and a general state of panic.
Don’t worry, mama. We’ve got you.
What is Flat Head Syndrome?
First thing first – flat head syndrome is very common. About 20% of babies wind up with flat head syndrome even though their parents are doing everything right. [1]
So if you notice a small flat area on your babe’s head, it’s probably not something to stress about. Flat head syndrome in babies is exactly like it sounds – your baby develops a flat spot on his head.
Babies, especially newborns, have soft skulls that haven’t fully developed. The bones are still forming. Plates within the skull haven’t completely connected.
During the first few months of their lives, babies spend a ton of time lying down. When your baby lays in the same position over time, it causes the bones to mold.
The small, flat spot on your baby’s head could be on the back or either side. Both are common forms of flat head syndrome. And both should correct themselves over time.
Seeing a flat spot on your baby’s head can cause you to spiral into fear, worry, and downright panic.
- Is my baby in pain?
- Is his brain okay?
- Will his brain develop normally?
- Will this affect anything else?
- Will the flat spot ever go away?
Stop.
Breathe.
It’s okay.
Let’s clear up a few of your concerns.
👶Your baby isn’t feeling any pain because of flat head syndrome.
Babies are soft.
And squishy.
And moldable.
A flat spot that formed over time didn’t cause your baby any pain or harm. They didn’t even notice.
🧠Flat head syndrome doesn’t affect the brain at all.
Of course you’re worried about brain development. The early years of life – especially years 0-3 – are important for a lifetime of healthy growth and development. Your baby’s brain grows and develops every single day during the newborn stage.[2]
But now there’s a flat spot on your baby’s head – does that mean a flat spot on his brain?!
Nope.
Flat head syndrome is nothing more than a flat spot on the skull where the bones have molded under pressure. The brain is still surrounded by a protective layer and isn’t shaped in any unnatural way.
Your baby’s brain will continue to grow, learn, and develop as if nothing ever happened.
👷Flat head syndrome will fix itself.
There’s no denying it – your baby’s head looks weird. There’s an obvious flat spot on the back or one of the sides. But remember how the brain continues to grow and develop during the newborn stage? Bones and other body parts grow and change, too.Your baby’s head has a flat spot right now. But, the bones will continue to grow, shape, and change.
The flat spot will steadily disappear.
Like most things as mamas, we make flat head syndrome a bigger issue than it is.
What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?
Now you know what flat head syndrome is. Let’s talk about what causes a flat head on babies.Sweet newborns need more sleep than at any other time in a child’s life. 😴
You know the drill – babies sleep on their backs.
Yes, you want to snuggle and hold him. But you also need a break. So when baby’s down, he’s sleeping on his back. Now it’s up to baby to decide how he will be comfortable enough to stay asleep.
Will he keep his head still with the back of his head resting on the mattress?
Or will he turn so the side of his noggin’s on the bed?
Whatever is the most comfortable, that’s where he’ll continue to return. The part of your baby’s head touching the mattress means there’s consistent pressure happening in the same area.
No, it’s not the same as a person pushing down on one area over time. But there is still pressure between the flat mattress and the weight of your baby’s head.
Remember, babies’ skulls are soft and not fully formed in the newborn stage. The pressure and the underdeveloped skull combine to create a flat spot.
The bones in your baby’s skull temporarily mold to match the shape of the mattress.
That’s it.
There’s nothing developmentally wrong.
*It’s not a cause for concern.*
It’s just your sweet baby’s head forming to the shape of the mattress in his comfiest position.
Will my baby’s flat head ever go away?
Yes.
As much as you want your precious babe to stay this little, he will grow. He’ll grow, change, and get stronger.
💪One of a baby’s first major milestones is developing neck strength to hold up his own head. Once this happens, you’ll let your baby explore tummy time, which keeps his head off a flat surface. With strengthened neck muscles, your baby will also turn his head to different positions while sleeping.
Movement during sleep means his head won’t be resting in the same place for long periods of time. There won’t be constant pressure keeping the flat spot on your baby’s head.
As naturally as it formed, it will naturally disappear.
Take heart, mama.💗
Your baby’s flat head syndrome is normal and common. You aren’t doing anything wrong.
Want to prevent flat head syndrome? Want your baby’s head back to normal sooner?
If you haven’t noticed a flat spot yet and want to make sure it doesn’t form – or you see that little spot and want it gone ASAP, we’ve got you covered.
Our Ergö ’s design keeps your baby’s head safe from day one. Unlike other products, the Ergö grows with your baby and lasts through rolls, flips, and sit-ups.
The soft, adjustable wedge cushion supports and cradles your baby’s head – no more pressure points! Adjust the position as your babe grows and changes. The cushions adjust to fit your baby’s needs. Change the positions and avoid a flat head on your sweet little one.
The Ergö’s patented design supports your baby’s developing neck muscles, fragile skull, and growing legs and spine.
Protect and support your baby’s growth and give yourself peace of mind.
[1] https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/plagiocephaly-brachycephaly/
[2] https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/early-brain-development.html