How to Prevent Flat Head (Because No One Really Teaches Us This)

Flat head is so common.

I’m a pediatric OT and I’ve worked with babies for many years. I also have two kids of my own, and honestly? I didn’t fully realize how common flat head was until my own baby had it.

Now that I treat babies in my community and talk to parents through my online work, I can confidently say:

Flat head is very, very common.

And the biggest issue is that no one teaches parents how to prevent it.

Literally from the moment our babies are born, we’re told:

“Put them on their back. Back to sleep is safest.”

And of course, as a new mom, we're going to do that. Back to sleep helps prevent SIDS, which is SO important! 

But what’s missing is the rest of the conversation.

Why Flat Head Happens

Flat head usually happens because babies spend a lot of time with pressure on the same spot of their head (i.e. sleeping on their back, in a car seat, etc)

This can look like:

• A baby spending lots of time on their back in containers (car seats, swings, bouncers)
  
• A baby who always turns their head to the same side
  
• A baby who prefers being in midline (straight back on the head)
  

If pressure isn’t distributed equally on the head, flattening can happen:

• On the back of the head (called brachycephaly)
  
• Or on one side (called plagiocephaly)
  

The good thing is, prevention is easy with the right info!

First, Notice Head Preferences Early

The best way to prevent flat head is to pay attention to your baby’s head position and alternate it.

Ask yourself:

• Does my baby always turn their head one way?
  
• Do they sleep facing the same direction every night?
  
• Are they always positioned the same way in the car seat, swing, or bouncer?
  

If your baby:

• Sleeps to the right
  
• Turn their head right in the car seat
  
• Lays in a swing to the right
  

That’s a lot of pressure on one side and this can absolutely lead to flattening.

To ensure flattening doesn't develop, during the day, counterbalance that pressure.

• Gently encourage head turning and positioning the opposite side they prefer
  
• Slightly angle or reposition them
  
• Redistribute pressure so one side isn’t doing all the work

Early movement patterns and preferences matter more than people realize.

Baby Wearing Helps Prevent Flat Spots (Seriously, It Helps So Much)

Baby wearing is one of my favorite flat head prevention tools.

Why?

• Less time in containers
  
• Less pressure on the head
  
• More soothing, bonding, and closeness
  

Whether you’re:

• At the store
  
• Around the house
  
• Out for a walk
  

Baby wearing keeps your baby upright and off their head!

Just make sure:

• Baby’s hips are properly positioned
  
• Baby can rotate their head freely
  
• You occasionally switch the way their head is positioned (especially if they have a head turn preference!)
  
• Find more baby wearing reminders and tips here!

A baby wrap or structured carrier both work great. (Check my baby wearing highlight for specifics.)

I love the Solly Baby wrap for younger babies, and a structured carrier too! Just remember to keep your baby inward-facing in the carrier until around 6 months. After that, forward-facing is fine if your baby enjoys it.

Tummy Time (Early & Often) Prevent Flat Spots Too

Tummy time is a huge way to prevent flat head and the earlier you start, the better.

You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just need to do it often.

Tummy time can happen:

• On your chest
  
• Over your shoulder
  
• Elevated on your knees
  
• On the floor
  
• Elevated on a pillow or Boppy
  

A good floor mat makes tummy time so much easier too. It gives your baby a dedicated space to move, explore, and build strength.

To make tummy time more manageable, get down on the floor with your baby:

• Talk to them
  
• Make faces
  
• Rotate motivating toys to keep entertained 
  

Happy tummy time = better for everyone!

Floor Time & Side-Lying Play Are Also GREAT for Flat Head Prevention

Free movement on the floor is so important. And getting a good play mat allows your baby to have a safe space to move.

When babies are on the floor:

• They can move their head side to side
  
• Kick
  
• Roll to their sides
  
• Explore movement naturally
  

If your baby has torticollis or a strong side preference, you’ll want to be more intentional about their positioning in floor time. But most babies can benefit from just being allowed to move freely.

Side-lying play is also great during floor time too!

• Roll baby to their belly, then slightly to their side
  
• Prop them if needed
  
• Let them explore a new position by bringing hands to midline and even placing a toy in their hand
  

Limiting Containers Around 4 Months Helps Keep Your Baby's Head Round

Once your baby has good head control (usually around 4 months), start moving away from:

• Swings
  
• Bouncers 

Instead, opt for upright seating during wake windows. I specifically love the UPSEAT because it encourages proper posture and can easily be used as a feeding seat too (talk about resourceful!). 

Getting your baby upright when they are ready takes pressure off the head during wake time which significantly lowers their risk for flattening. The good thing is, if your baby doesn’t have flat head by 4 months, they’re typically in the clear because they are spending a lot less time on the head (yay!). 

Flat head caused me so much anxiety as a new mom and it’s honestly one of the most under-talked-about topics in the baby stage. 

That’s why I want to be a resource for you.

If you ever need help, I offer free online head shape assessments.

I’m the only place that does this and I’m always happy to help guide you!

You don’t have to navigate this alone. I'm here for you mama! ❤️