Sign out
After you give birth, you may wonder why your baby’s head appears a little misshapen. Don’t worry, this is completely normal. Newborns have soft, flexible skulls that harden as they get older. This helps your baby’s head fit through the birth canal.
In the days and weeks after birth, your baby’s head may be cone- or oval-shaped. However, their head will become rounder over time.
Your baby will also have a “soft spot” on the top of their head. It can vary in size, and you may notice it moving with your baby’s heartbeat or when they breathe. That’s also normal. The soft spot will close by the time your baby is 24 months old.
Preventing positional molding
Positional molding, also called plagiocephaly, is when your baby’s head shape is affected by them lying in the same position too long. It’s possible for one side of the head to flatten compared to the other side.
You can prevent or correct any flattening by:
- Holding and carrying your baby whenever you can, including cuddling, sitting in laps, and other positions for playing and being held.
- Changing your baby’s sleeping position regularly (your baby should always be sleeping on their back until they can roll easily from front to back).
- Encouraging your baby to move their neck.
- Giving your baby “tummy time” every day.
- Preventing your baby from lying on hard surfaces for too long, including being in a car seat or carrier for a long time.
If your baby’s head is still misshapen after a few months, you should contact your clinician for guidance.