Flat-head Syndrome

Healthy Babies Healthy Children

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Healthy Babies Healthy Children (HBHC) is a home-based visiting program for families. Families that qualify are paired with a public health nurse and family visitor. You pick goals you would like to focus on during the program and create a plan together. Anyone can self-refer for our services. For eligible families, this may include a referral to our home visiting program.

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Flat-head Syndrome is when a baby develops a flat spot on their head.

When it happens

Young babies have weak neck muscles and can't turn their head from side to side. Flat-head is most likely to happen in the baby's first three months. This is when the baby's head is still very soft.

How it happens

This can happen when babies spend most of the time lying on their back. The safest way to put your baby to sleep is on their back. Babies who sleep on their back are much less likely to die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). A little bit of flattening will go away on its own. More serious flattening may not completely go away. It will not affect your baby's brain development.

Read more about SIDS and infant sleep and sleep habits.

Prevention

Tips to prevent your baby from getting a flat head:

• Put your baby at different ends of the crib each night.
• Limit the time your baby spends in infant car seats, strollers and swings.
• Only use infant car seats when driving.
• Carry your baby in an infant carrier, such as a sling.
• Use colourful toys so your baby will look in their direction.

Tummy time

Tummy time is another great way to prevent flat head. Tummy time means putting your baby on its stomach to play. The surface should be firm, such as carpeted floor or an activity mat.

Tummy time helps babies develop strong muscles in their shoulders, arms and necks. It also helps develop the balance they need for rolling, sitting and walking.

The Canadian Paediatric Society asks parents to practice tummy time at least three times a day, for 10 to 15 minutes each time. Only practice tummy time when your baby is awake.

How to practice tummy time with your baby:

• Put your baby on its tummy after each diaper change.
• Slowly increase the time baby is on its tummy each day.
• Put colourful toys or a mirror in front of your baby.
• Sing, talk and play with your baby.
• Lie down in front of your baby so it will look at you.
• Place a small rolled towel or blanket under your baby's chest with its arms out in front.
• Lie back with your baby on your chest.

Read more in the tummy time guide.

By six to nine months of age, babies should spend most of their play time on the floor on their tummies. When your baby becomes fussy with tummy time, switch to a new activity.

Visit the Canadian Paediatric Society for more information on Flat-head Syndrome.