There is usually no reason to worry about changes in a babys head shape.
Its normal for babies' heads to be misshapen after birth and in the first few months of life.
Fortunately, most babies heads will round out during infancy.
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However, some babies may need help from a healthcare provider.
Rarely, more serious birth problems can cause issues with a babys head shape.
Read more about what to know and when to worry about a babys head shape.
The spaces between the bones are called sutures.
A baby is also born with soft spots (fontanels).
Soft spots are larger openings where the bones have not yet come together.
They also provide room for a babys brain to grow.
A babys brain and head grow rapidly during the first two years of life.
C-Section vs.
Vaginal Birth
Your baby is more likely to have a rounded head if you deliver byC-section.
In the few months after delivery, you may notice changes in your babys head shape.
This is completely normal and is usually nothing to worry about.
Positional Plagiocephaly
Positionalplagiocephalyis a condition in which a flat spot develops on a babys head.
Most of the time, the flat spot will return to normal after a few months.
For example, the forehead or ears can also be affected.
Craniosynostosis
Craniosynostosisis a congenital condition that causes the skull bones to come together too early.
This condition can affect one or more sutures.
In the week or so after birth, your babys head will probably round out.
They may look for changes in your baby’s head shape when looking at it from above.
An eye exam can check your babys optic nerve and diagnose intracranial pressure which can go along with craniosynostosis.
A pediatric physical therapist can help babies increase their range of motion and relieve tight muscles.
Cranial remolding helmets can help to mold the skull and treat flat spots.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely used to treat positional plagiocephaly.
Most babies with craniosynostosis will need to have surgery.
If more than one suture is fused, surgery is recommended to allow for healthy brain development.
Sometimes after surgery, a helmet is still needed to help maintain the skull shape.
Summary
Discovering a flat spot on your babys head is usually nothing to worry about.
A misshapen head is common and often goes away on its own.
Ask your provider about flat spots on your babys head that are worrying you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Positional plagiocephaly and craniosynostosis are conditions that can cause abnormal baby head shapes.
Positional flat spots can develop on the back or side of the head depending on the heads position.
Usually, you wont need to do anything to shape your babys head.
Your healthcare provider can assess if your baby has constricted muscles and if physical therapy can help.
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