There are a lot of things to worry about when you have a baby, but one thing that may not seem like a cause for concern is the shape of your baby’s head.
However, sometimes babies’ heads can take on an unusual shape, which can cause parents to worry.
In this blog post, we will discuss when you should start to worry about your baby’s head shape, and what you can do if you are concerned.
What is a Normal Head Shape for Baby?
The normal shape of an infant’s head is round and slightly flat near the back.
This is because a baby’s skull has not yet fully developed, and its plates are still overlapping.
As the child grows, the overlapping bones gradually move closer together allowing the head to take on a more rounded shape.
In addition, as babies gain strength in their neck and back muscles, they are able to hold their head more upright.
It is important to note that the shape of a baby’s head can vary from newborn to 6 months old. Some babies may have a slightly flattened area on one side or the other, which is normal and should improve over time as their muscle strength increases.
In some cases, this temporary flattening may be caused by spending too much time in the same position while sleeping or lounging.
If your baby has any significant changes in skull shape or an unusually flat spot that does not go away with repositioning, consult your child’s healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Parents should also be aware of plagiocephaly (also known as flat head syndrome or positional plagiocephaly), which is an abnormal head shape caused by the external pressure on baby’s skull.
Plagiocephaly can be caused by long-term positioning in a car seat, infant swing, or other similar device as well as from sleeping in the same position for extended periods of time.
If your child has this condition, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options such as physical therapy and helmets that can help reshape their head over time.
In summary, it is normal for babies to have a round but slightly flat-shaped head when they are born. With proper care and repositioning during sleep and playtime, the shape should improve over time as the baby’s muscles and bones develop. If you notice any changes in your baby’s head shape, be sure to contact their healthcare provider for evaluation.
How Long Does it Take for a Baby’s Head to Round Out?
The answer to this question varies depending on the baby and doctor, but typically it takes about 9-18 months for a baby’s head to round out.
During this time, your doctor will monitor the progress of your baby’s head shape and give you advice on how to help encourage proper head shape growth.
The doctor may also recommend exercises or stretches that can help the process along. If after 9-18 months there is still concern about the baby’s head shape, additional medical intervention may be necessary.
It is important to follow your doctor’s advice as some cases require more intensive care than others. With patience and dedication, your doctor should be able to help you reach a satisfactory outcome for your little one.
Will Babies Head Shape Fix Itself?
In most cases, the answer is yes!
If your baby’s head has flattened on one side, this is known as plagiocephaly and doctor will often recommend gently repositioning your baby’s head while they are sleeping or playing in order to help prevent further flattening.
This should be done with doctor’s guidance and may involve using special positioning pillows or helmets. In some cases, doctor may suggest other treatments to improve the shape of your baby’s head.
If a doctor has referred you for treatment, it is important that you follow their recommendation in order to give your child the best chance at a normal head shape.
With proper care and attention from doctor, the shape of your baby’s head can be improved and made more symmetrical. It is important to note that it may take some time for the shape of your baby’s head to completely return to normal, but with doctor’s help, you can achieve this goal.
If you have any other questions or concerns about your baby’s head shape, be sure to talk with doctor for advice and guidance. They will be able to provide the best information on what treatments are available and how best to proceed in order to give your child a healthy head shape.
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