My Baby's Head Looks Uneven — Should I Be Worried?
Asymmetry and flattening of the head are very common in newborns. When should you seek a specialist's assessment?
Why does a baby's head change shape?
A baby's skull bones are flexible, and the joints between them, called sutures, don't fuse until around 12–18 months. This flexibility allows a safe passage during birth, but it also means the head shape can be affected by external pressure.
Spending long periods in the same position (especially lying on the back), pressure during birth, prematurity, or tightness in the neck muscles (torticollis) can all lead to a misshapen head.
When is a specialist assessment needed?
- Noticeable flattening on one side of the head
- One ear sitting further forward than the other
- Asymmetry in how the forehead protrudes
- The head shape still hasn't improved by 4 months of age
- Your baby always turns their head to the same side
What should I do?
First of all, try not to worry — conditions such as deformational plagiocephaly can be largely corrected with early intervention. An examination by a specialist orthotist, along with a 3D scan if needed, gives you a clear assessment.