My nephew's head looks like this, and he's 9, but his father's head looks the same way. So, it's natural for them. If it's because of your baby spending so much time on his back, it will definitely sort itself out once he starts spending a lot less time on his back. Usually this is when the baby starts walking or even crawling because they WANT to be on their stomachs a lot more, so they can move around. It's VERY common, and it does go away if that's not the way your child's head is meant to be shaped.

I agree that in many cases flat head does go away on its own once the baby starts spending less time on their back. However, in some cases it does not, especially if the flattening is severe. Some babies are more prone to getting flat head than others, eg if they are premature as they have softer skulls, poor muscle control so they cannot readily alter their head position on their own so lie on the same side all the time, unusually large head etc. My son had all three of these so very high risk of getting flat head - and did.

I have read so many comments from people whose doctors assured them flat head would go away on its own, and they have bitterly regretted listening to that advice when there child ended up with a permanently flat head and, in many cases, a disfigured face as flat head tends to push the forehead and eye forward on one side and make the eyes and ears misaligned. Children who have severe flat head look like part of their head has been sliced off.

My advice is not to rely on it getting better on its own and to take action as soon as you notice any flattening to stop it getting any worse and hopefully to reverse any existing flattening. Which is what I managed to do. If nothing else, as a parent, it helps a great deal knowing you are actively doing something to try to help your child rather than sitting back hoping it will all be okay. You feel guilty enough as it is when your child gets a flat head.

Rainster

My son's doctor caught his flat head at 2 months and we immediately started physiotherapy in hopes of correcting the problem naturally. However, after months of exercises nothing happened so DS is now wearing a helmet. It has made a HUGE difference. I am so glad our doctor took the issue seriously and our son has a chance at a normal-looking head. But his was pretty bad. It was so flat on one side that the other side was beginning to bulge out to compensate his growing brain. Also, his ears were very, very crooked.

I agree with the pp, if the flat head looks very noticeable I would pursue the issue now rather than later. Odds are using natural methods (exercises, tummy time, etc) will help but you still need to be proactive and pay attention as it doesn't always work. Helmets are VERY expensive and most public health care plans don't cover it (thankfully, Manitoba's does so we didn't pay a cent).

I agree with the ladies above. My daughter has pretty prominent plagiocephaly and we will be getting her a helmet. she has her fitting next week.

Only two NHS hospitals provide the helmets over here in England and they won't fit them until 5 months anyway. And I don't think the treat them unless it is exceptionally bad. Will have to hope the pillow and sleeping him on his side during the day will do that trick

I noticed this same flattening with my daughter when she was about 3 months old and mentioned it to her pediatrician. She was definitely favoring turning to one side. When he checked her over he could tell that she had stiffness in her neck and referred us to a physical therapist. It turned out to be a mild case of torticollis.

She's been seeing the therapist for several months now and has had quite a bit of improvement with her neck muscles as well as the flat spot. She was able to show us a lot of exercises to do with her as well as different positioning to get her off of that side of her head. We knew that a helmet might end up being the solution for the flattening but it seems to be working out without it.

I would mention it to his doctor just in case there is a muscle issue or something like that going on.

Good luck!

This is George's head at the minute... would this be considered serious or not?

Hi

It does look a little flat. Definitely get it checked out. I suggest you go to a helmet clinic as many offer free assessments then you will know for sure how bad it is and if he should need a helmet, it is important not to delay. They may say it is fine and suggest repositioning techniques, then at least you will know what to do and not worry so much about it

Out of interest Kezz, which two NHS hospitals provide the treatment in England? As with many things, a postcode lottery, which is even worse when it affects our children

According to the website i was looking at, Bristol and Leeds. But then I saw on another forum someone saying u can't get them on NHS and it costs £2000 to get them privately. So may have no choice!