How Should a Baby Sleep for a Good Head Shape? Safe Positioning Guide

How do I position my baby to keep a round head?

• Back to sleep, every sleep: naps and nighttime alike.
• Alternate the head direction: facing right at one sleep, left at the next.
• Switch ends of the crib: this changes which way your baby looks toward the room.
• Vary awake positions: tummy time, upright holding and side play under supervision.

Why is back sleeping so important?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends placing babies on their backs for every sleep until their first birthday to reduce the risk of SIDS and other sleep-related deaths. Back sleeping can contribute to flattening at the back of the head, but the answer is not tummy or side sleeping; it is varying awake time and head direction. Head shape concerns should never override safe sleep.

Can my baby sleep on the side?

Side sleeping is not recommended, because a baby can easily roll onto the tummy. Using towels, rolls or wedges to keep a baby on the side is also unsafe. Supervised side play while awake is fine. Once your baby can roll both ways independently, you still place them on the back, and they can usually stay in the position they choose.

Where should I place the crib and toys?

Babies turn toward light, doors, voices and movement. Place these on the side that encourages your baby to look away from the flat side, and change where you stand when you talk to them. Keep soft toys, pillows, loose blankets and bumpers out of the crib.

How should tummy time be done?

Tummy time means placing your baby on the tummy while awake and supervised. It relieves pressure on the back of the head and builds neck and shoulder strength. Start with a few minutes several times a day from the early days and build up gradually. If your baby falls asleep, move them onto the back in their own sleep space.

How long should my baby stay in a car seat or bouncer?

Always use a car seat for travel, but outside of travel avoid leaving your baby for long periods in car seats, bouncers, swings or carriers. If your baby falls asleep in one, move them to a firm, flat surface on the back as soon as practical.

Should I use a baby head-shaping pillow?

Head-shaping or "flat head" pillows are not recommended for sleep. The AAP advises keeping pillows, soft surfaces and positioners out of the sleep space, and the US FDA has issued warnings about sleep positioners because of suffocation risk. There is also insufficient evidence that such pillows correct head shape.

What if my baby always turns to one side?

A strong preference for one side may indicate tight neck muscles (torticollis). Repositioning alone may not be enough; your pediatrician may recommend physiotherapy and home exercises. Encourage turning with toys and voices rather than forcing the head.

When should you see a specialist?

• No improvement after 4–6 weeks of repositioning
• Your baby always turns to one side or has limited neck movement
• One ear shifted forward, forehead bossing or facial asymmetry
• A long and narrow, triangular or unusual head shape

Start with your pediatrician. You can also book an appointment to have your baby's head shape measured, read whether plagiocephaly goes away on its own or see our treatments.

Frequently asked questions

Which side should my baby sleep on?

Always the back. What you change is the direction the head faces, alternating each sleep.

Can my baby sleep on the tummy?

No. Tummy time is only for when your baby is awake and supervised.

Do head-shaping pillows work?

There is insufficient evidence that they correct head shape, and pillows in the sleep space are not consistent with safe sleep advice.

How should I place a baby who can roll over?

Still place them on the back. If they can roll both ways, they can usually stay in the position they choose; follow your pediatrician's advice.