Preventing Flat Head Syndrome in Babies
What is Flat Head Syndrome?
Plagiocephaly is also known as flat-head syndrome. It occurs when the back of the baby’s skull flattens out due to pressure. In the first weeks of a child’s life, their skull is malleable and soft, which makes it susceptible to distortions. Consistent pressure on one part can cause this. The condition is most common when a child spends long periods on their back, or one side of the head. This can lead to a flat area developing. The condition, while cosmetic, can cause asymmetry of the skull or facial features if not addressed.

In severe cases of plagiocephaly, the baby may have an unbalanced facial appearance. This can be caused by an uneven forehead, eye, or jaw. Parents may be concerned about their child’s health and appearance. Parents need to know that, while plagiocephaly can affect the shape and size of the head, the brain development of a baby is not affected. It is not an emergency but can cause parents to worry and stress.
The asymmetry of the skull can become more noticeable as babies grow. This asymmetry may also affect the baby’s ear alignment, which parents will notice when the child grows.
Liz Williams, Physiotherapist: Her role in preventing flat head syndrome
Liz Williams is one of the most prominent voices in research and prevention for flat head syndrome. Williams, who completed her PhD at the University of Melbourne in research on head development, has advocated for a more proactive approach. Williams believes that rather than repositioning a baby’s face or encouraging passive movements to occur, babies should be allowed to move their heads on their own.
She compares the heads of babies to pumpkins in her artwork. Parents who want to prevent flat-head syndrome often place their babies’ heads in certain positions, similar to pumpkins placed on a flat surface. Williams’ research has shown that children need to be taught how to actively move their heads.
Problems with passive head positioning
Parents often position their baby’s heads alternately on one side and the other, particularly during sleep. This method may help relieve some pressure but it is still a passive approach that does not actively encourage the child to develop neck muscles or head control. Liz Williams says that this method is not sufficient and can unintentionally treat the baby’s head as an inanimate object, instead of a part of their growing body.
The ability to move the head is innate in babies, but it must be encouraged from an early age. Williams says that instead of repositioning the baby’s heads constantly, it is better to talk to them and give them stimuli to encourage them to move their head on their own. This helps prevent plagiocephaly and promotes healthy physical development.
Head Movement and Its Importance
At birth, the neck muscles of babies are very weak, so they require a lot more support to keep their head upright. But babies have the instinct to turn their heads sideways, particularly in response to auditory or visual stimuli. Williams’ research shows that babies who are allowed to move their heads independently are less likely to have flat spots in their skulls.
These muscles are responsible for the movement of the head and neck. These muscles help the baby control their head’s movement and balance. The pressure on the skull back increases when babies lie flat on their backs, especially if they do not move. This can lead to flat head syndrome. It can become worse if the SCM muscle becomes stronger than the others, causing a condition called torticollis. This causes the head to tilt to one side, increasing the flat head syndrome risk.
Tummy time: A key strategy for head development
Tummy time is one of the best ways to prevent flat head syndrome and help your baby develop strong neck muscles. Tummy time is when you place your baby on his stomach while he’s awake. This allows him to develop his neck muscles and head control. This position allows the baby to lift their head and move it side-to-side, as well as stretch their neck muscles.
Tummy time can be a source of resistance for some babies in the beginning, but it’s an important part of their development. Tummy time is important for babies to build upper body strength, which will be needed later in life when they are able to sit up, crawl, or walk. Tummy time also helps to reduce pressure on the baby’s back, which can prevent flat spots.
Tummy time is not easy for newborns as they struggle at first to lift their heads. It is normal for babies to struggle at first, but parents can gradually increase the time spent on their tummies as they gain strength. Even a few minutes a day of tummy time is beneficial for newborns. As your child grows, tummy time will become more enjoyable and they can spend longer periods in this position.

Face time: Another important component
Face time is another way to prevent flat head syndrome. Face time is when you place your baby on its back and encourage them to look up at you. You can also interact with them. This interaction encourages neck and head movement, strengthening muscles that support the head.
Face time is similar to tummy time in that it encourages your baby to move his head side-to-side, improving the control of their neck muscles. It also prevents them from remaining in one position too long. Face time is a great way to build important bonds with your child and stimulate their development.
Torticollis – Its Impact on Flat Head Syndrome
Torticollis is a common problem that can cause flat head syndrome. Torticollis is caused by a tightening or contraction of one of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, which causes the head to tilt one way. This can cause a misalignment in the head which increases the chances of developing a flat area on the affected side.
Untreated torticollis may make it more difficult for babies to move their heads freely, causing further pressure to be placed on one area of the skull. Torticollis can be relieved by doing tummy time and stretching exercises prescribed to you by a pediatric physical therapist. This will also prevent flat spots from forming on the baby’s head. Regular stretching and encouraging movement can help your baby develop the muscle control necessary to avoid this condition.
The role of parents in prevention
Liz Williams’ research has revealed that parents can play a major role in preventing flat-head syndrome by encouraging their child to move his or her head. Parents should encourage their babies to be active and move around freely. They can also engage in exercises that will help develop muscle. It is important to encourage head movement and tummy and face time.
Parents should also avoid unsafe practices such as the use of wedges or positioning pillows to prevent flat-head syndrome. These products are dangerous because they can increase the risk for suffocation, and they do not encourage healthy head movements.
Williams’ research led to the creation of an information sheet for parents that provides practical advice on how to prevent flat head syndrome. The fact sheet is available from maternal health providers as well as the Royal Children’s Hospital. It provides clear and practical guidelines to promote healthy head development and prevent plagiocephaly.
How to encourage healthy head development
- Give Your Baby Plenty of Tummy Time: Lay your baby down on his stomach when he is awake and increase the time spent there each day. This will help strengthen neck muscles and relieve pressure on the backs of the head.
- Face time: Lay on your back and face your baby. This will encourage them to turn their head and look at you.
- Encourage Movement: Engage your baby gently with toys or sounds to encourage head movement. It will help your baby develop the strength necessary to move his head independently.
- Avoid passive head positioning: Instead of constantly repositioning the head of your baby, encourage him to move his head freely by giving him opportunities to look around or shift positions on his own.
- Torticollis – If your baby’s head is tilted to one side constantly, this could be a sign of torticollis. Ask a pediatric physical therapist about stretching exercises and alternative treatments.

Conclusion
Flathead syndrome is a common condition that can be avoided without costly or complex interventions. Parents can reduce their child’s risk of plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, by using simple and accessible strategies. You can help your child avoid flat spots by giving them plenty of time to move and engage in activities like tummy time, face time, and other exercises that promote head control.
Liz Williams’ pioneering research shows the importance of encouraging infants to move their heads on their own. This is vital in preventing flat spots. Her extensive research has shown that encouraging babies to move their heads naturally and actively is more effective than passive interventions like repositioning or changing sleeping positions. Parents can empower their babies by encouraging them to move their heads freely. This will help them develop the strength and motor skills they need to achieve key developmental milestones.
It is important that you actively participate in your child’s development. This will not only prevent flat head syndrome but also lay the foundation for healthy physical growth throughout their life. The simple act of tummy time, eye contact, speaking to your child, and encouraging their independent head movement will all contribute to the overall health and well-being of your child.
You are your child’s most important teacher. The early months of life are crucial for setting up the foundation for their future development and physical success. You can help your child’s skull remain strong and round by encouraging head movement and active play.
In the end, flat head syndrome can be prevented without complicated treatments or useless products. Being proactive, knowledgeable, and involved in your baby’s growth is key. You can navigate this stage of parenting with confidence by prioritizing natural, safe movements. This will also help your baby to thrive. These strategies will not only help prevent flat head syndrome, but they’ll also support your child to reach important milestones both physically and developmentally. You can give your child the best possible start in life by establishing a healthy, strong foundation.