How do flat spots occur?
In the first months of life, your baby’s head grows very quickly—and it’s soft and flexible to allow for this growth.
If your baby has a preferred position when lying down (like always turning to one side or lying flat on their back), the head can start to flatten in that area.
This is known as plagiocephaly when the flat spot is on one side, or brachycephaly when it’s across the back of the head.
What should I do if I notice a flat spot?
If you’ve noticed a flat area developing on your baby’s head, the best next step is to have it assessed by an orthotist.
We recommend doing this when your baby is between four and six months old, as this is an ideal time for early intervention if needed.
In the meantime, you can support your baby’s head shape by:
- Encouraging tummy time during the day
- Using a baby carrier instead of a pram when possible
- Repositioning your baby’s head during sleep to reduce pressure on the flat spot
What happens at an assessment?
Your orthotist will take a simple, non-invasive 3D scan of your baby’s head shape and talk you through the results.
In many cases, flat spots don’t require treatment—your orthotist will look at all the contributing factors and help you understand your options.