Why Does My Baby’s Head Shape Look Uneven?
Some parents notice that their baby’s head appears slightly uneven or flatter on one side during the first few months of life. This may be more noticeable when viewed from the top of the baby’s head. Mothers may also find that their baby prefers to turn their head in one direction or latches more easily on one side of the breast
Over time, repeated pressure on the same area of the skull can lead to a condition known as deformational plagiocephaly, where the baby’s head develops a flattened area on one side.
Paediatrician Dr Leo Deng Jin from Kids Clinic @ Bukit Batok explains that deformational plagiocephaly is relatively common in young infants because a baby’s skull bones are soft and still developing during the early months of life.
In many babies, mild deformational plagiocephaly improves over time as the skull continues to grow, and pressure on the flattened area is reduced through repositioning and increased activity.
What Is Deformational Plagiocephaly?
Deformational plagiocephaly (DP) refers to a condition in which a baby’s head develops asymmetrical flattening, usually on one side of the back of the skull. This typically occurs when a baby spends prolonged periods resting with the head turned toward the same side. Because the infant skull is still soft and mouldable, repeated pressure on one area can gradually alter the shape of the head. Deformational plagiocephaly may not always be present at birth. It often becomes noticeable when babies are around one to two months old, as the skull continues to grow and adapt to external pressures.Why Do Some Babies Prefer Turning Their Head to One Side?
Some babies naturally develop a preferred head position, meaning they tend to turn their head in the same direction when lying down or sleeping.
In some infants, this preference may be related to torticollis.
Torticollis occurs when one of the neck muscles, known as the sternocleidomastoid muscle, becomes tight or shortened. This can cause the baby to tilt or rotate the head toward one side, making that position more comfortable.
When a baby consistently rests the head in the same direction, repeated pressure on one part of the skull may contribute to flattening over time.
Can an Uneven Head Shape Improve Over Time?
In many babies, mild deformational plagiocephaly improves naturally as the baby grows and becomes more active.
As infants gain head control and spend more time sitting, rolling, and crawling, pressure on the back of the head decreases, allowing the skull shape to gradually improve.
Parents may also be advised to use simple positioning strategies, such as:
- Encouraging the baby to turn the head to both sides during sleep
- Increasing supervised tummy time when the baby is awake
- Alternating the direction the baby faces in the crib
If torticollis is present, gentle stretching exercises for the neck muscles may help improve head movement and reduce the tendency to favour one side.
When Is Additional Treatment Needed?
Most cases of deformational plagiocephaly are mild and improve with time and repositioning techniques.
However, babies with more pronounced head asymmetry may benefit from additional support.
Possible treatment approaches may include:
- Physiotherapy: If torticollis is present, a physiotherapist may guide parents through stretching exercises to improve neck mobility.
- Helmet therapy (cranial orthosis): In selected cases of moderate to severe plagiocephaly, helmet therapy may be recommended to help guide skull growth into a more symmetrical shape during infancy.
Helmet therapy is typically considered when head shape asymmetry persists despite repositioning or when the flattening is more significant.
When Should Parents Seek Medical Advice?
Parents may consider consulting a paediatrician if:
- The baby consistently tilts or turns the head to one side
- Flattening of the head becomes more noticeable over time
- The baby has difficulty turning the head equally in both directions
- Parents are unsure whether the head shape is developing normally
A medical assessment can help determine whether the head shape changes are mild and expected, or whether additional evaluation such as physiotherapy may be beneficial.
Paediatric Assessment for Infant Head Shape Concerns
At Kids Clinic @ Bukit Batok, Dr Leo Deng Jin provides evaluations for infant head shape concerns, torticollis, and other developmental issues that may affect babies during early growth.
In addition to newborn and infant care, Dr Leo provides acute paediatric care, chronic paediatric care, and management of common childhood illnesses, while also offering developmental and nutritional assessments to monitor a child’s overall growth and development.
For parents concerned about uneven head shape or possible deformational plagiocephaly, a paediatric consultation can help assess skull development and provide guidance on positioning strategies, stretching exercises, or referral for physiotherapy if necessary.
Parents who are concerned about their baby’s head shape or development may consult Dr Leo Deng Jin at Kids Clinic @ Bukit Batok for further evaluation and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal for a baby’s head shape to be uneven?
Yes. Mild differences in head shape are common in young infants because their skull bones are soft and still developing.
What causes flat head syndrome?
Flat head syndrome, also known as deformational plagiocephaly, usually occurs when babies consistently rest their head on the same side.
Does plagiocephaly affect brain development?
Deformational plagiocephaly usually affects the shape of the skull rather than brain development, and most babies develop normally.
Can an uneven head shape correct itself?
Many mild cases improve naturally as babies grow, move more, and spend less time lying on their backs.
Source: John Hopkins Medicine
About Author
Dr Leo Deng Jin is a paediatrician in Singapore with more than 20 years of experience caring for children and families. He previously served at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital (KKH), Singapore’s largest paediatric emergency department, where he managed acute paediatric emergencies.
Previously based at Thomson Paediatric Centre – Bukit Panjang (康盛儿科诊所) at Hillion Mall (Bukit Panjang), he was known for his compassionate approach and thorough care.
Dr Leo Deng Jin’s Place of Practice
Kids Clinic @ Bukit Batok
(Coming soon)
Le Quest Mall
4 Bukit Batok Street 41, #01-16
Singapore 657991
Tel: (65) 6011 1530
