How Do I Stop My Young Baby Getting a Flat Head?

Flat head syndrome (also known as positional plagiocephaly) is surprisingly common in young babies. It can happen when pressure is repeatedly applied to the same area of your baby’s soft skull, often from spending too much time lying in the same position.

The great news? There are gentle, safe ways to help prevent and correct flat spots. Below are some of the most effective tips.

 

Here’s everything you need to know.

1. What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?

In the first months of life, your baby’s skull is still soft and malleable. The younger the baby, the softer the head. This makes it easier for the bones to mould under pressure, which is helpful during birth but it also means they’re more vulnerable to developing flat spots.

Common contributing factors:

• Sleeping in the same position for long periods
• Favouring one side of the head
• Limited tummy time
• Extended time in car capsules, bouncers, swings or carriers

2. Always Follow Safe Sleep Guidelines

Above all else, always place your young baby on their back to sleep at every nap and overnight. Without a Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap this is the safest sleep position and helps reduce the risk of SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy).

The key is to balance this safe sleep position with supportive tools and varied awake-time movement to help prevent flat head spots.

3. Tummy Time is Essential

Supervised tummy time from day one is one of the best things you can do for your baby’s development. It helps strengthen their neck, shoulders and upper body and reduces the amount of time they’re placing pressure on the back of their head.

Start with:

• A few minutes at a time, a few times a day. Always supervised
• Lying on your chest or suitable blanket which cannot ‘bunch up’ around the face
• Gradually increasing duration as baby grows

4. Change Baby’s Head Position to alternate sides at each sleep

If your baby tends to favour one side, try to gently alternate their head position:

• Place them in the cot with their head at opposite ends on alternate nights
• Position interesting toys OUTSIDE of the bed to encourage them to turn both ways
• When awake, hold them in different positions (e.g., on your shoulder, upright in a carrier)
• Consider using the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap and the little HEADwedge, which gently and effectively assists

 

5. Limit Time in Baby Gear

Capsules, bouncers and swings are practical tools but too much time in these can increase pressure on your baby’s head.

Instead, try:

• Using a baby carrier or wrap for upright time some of the time
• Using a Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap for sleeptime
• Giving baby floor time or cuddles in your arms
• Avoiding prolonged time in one position during the day

6. Use a Sleepwrap and little HEADwedge to Help Prevent Flat Heads

The Safe T Sleep® Sleepwrap® is a Hospital Clinically Proven babywrap that keeps your very young baby safely on their back or side while still allowing natural, gentle movement of the head, arms and legs. It helps prevent a ‘young’ baby from rolling onto their tummy too early while still encouraging symmetrical development.

When paired with the Safe T Sleep little HEADwedge, you get an extra layer of protection. The little HEADwedge is placed under the main body wrap of the Sleepwrap and underneath babys shoulder, gently encouraging your baby’s head to rest in alternate positions at each sleep.

It’s an ideal and gentle way to help prevent flat spots, especially in the early months when baby’s head is soft and they may favour one side.

Together, the Sleepwrap and little HEADwedge help to:

• Reduce the risk of flat head syndrome
• Provide safer sleeping options
• Support alternate head-turning at each sleep
• Promote more symmetrical head shape development
• Provide a snug, more restful, longer sleep for baby; peace of mind and more sleep for parents

7. When to Talk to a Health Professional

If you notice a flat spot developing or if your baby consistently favours one side it’s worth checking in with your midwife, GP, or paediatrician. In some cases baby’s heads will self-correct but in more serious cases hospitalised intervention such as helmet therapy may be advised. Using a Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap and little HEADwedge is gentler, effective and much less invasive than a cumbersome helmet.

You can also contact Safe T Sleep directly. Thousands of parents with babies who had a flat or misshapen head have been referred to them and successfully supported with safe, practical, and effective solutions.

Final Thoughts

Flat head syndrome is common, but often preventable with a few proactive steps. By encouraging tummy time, varying awake-time positions and using the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap and little HEADwedge, you can greatly reduce the risk of flat spots forming.

Offering gentle support for safer, more symmetrical development while helping your baby sleep soundly and securely.

Looking for simple, trusted solutions to support safer baby sleep?
Explore the Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap and little HEADwedge developed by a mum and ex nurse, used in medical settings, backed by experience and loved by parents worldwide.

Safe T Sleep Sleepwrap – the wrap that hugs while baby sleeps.