Beneath the soft surface, the skull of a newborn is composed of a set of flexible puzzle-like pieces that allow the baby’s head to grow. These pliable cranial bones are effective in protecting the developing brain, but a long or flat head in newborns may occur if the baby is placed on their back for extended periods. In such cases, parents should not worry excessively about whether a long head in newborns is harmful. If detected early, this condition can improve with proactive adjustments as the child grows.
1. What is a long and flat head in newborns?
A long and flat head in newborns refers to an abnormal elongation or flattening of the baby’s head. This condition is often associated with the baby sleeping exclusively on their back or as a result of prolonged labor requiring instrumental intervention during vaginal delivery.
At birth, a newborn's head is highly moldable. Thus, any pressure applied to the skull can result in deformities such as a long or flat head. Common causes include:
- Pressure from prolonged positioning in the uterus
- Pressure during the journey through the birth canal, which can distort the newborn’s head shape
- Labor-assisting tools, such as vacuum extractors or forceps, which may create impressions on the skull or cause indentations on both temples
- Congenital torticollis, a common condition marked by tight or stiff neck muscles
Postnatal causes of a long or flat head in newborns include:
- Lying on a firm mattress while sleeping on the back, leading to pressure on the back of the head
- Prolonged time spent lying flat in car seats or swings
2. Signs of a long and flat head in newborns
The symptoms of a long or flat head in newborns are easily visible. These include flattening of one side of the head (often the back of the head), pointed or elongated head shapes, a parallelogram-like appearance of the skull
While parents may worry about the potential effects of a long head in newborns, research has shown that babies with such symptoms generally do not experience developmental delays, learning issues, or other adverse health effects. However, in severe cases, a long or flat head can cause asymmetry in facial features, such as flattening of the face or misaligned ears and eyes, which may affect aesthetics as the child grows.
3. What to do if your newborn has a long head?
The most common approach to treating skull deformities in newborns is to reduce pressure on a single spot and distribute it more evenly. Increasing tummy time is one of the simplest and most effective ways to encourage skull remodeling. To do this, parents can lay a blanket or towel on the floor and place the baby on their stomach during waking hours for a few minutes, ideally totaling at least 30 minutes daily.
When babies coo and try to lift their heads, they strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles. This also relieves pressure on the back of the head, preventing or reversing the flattening or elongation. However, never leave your baby unsupervised during tummy time. Even if the baby cannot yet crawl, you must monitor closely to prevent fatigue or accidental suffocation if the baby’s face presses against the floor.
Another treatment approach is to adjust your baby’s sleeping position. For example, during rest periods, alternate the side on which the baby’s head rests. Babies naturally turn toward light or movement in the room, ensuring both sides of the head receive equal pressure relief.
If the baby’s head shape does not improve with these adjustments, a pediatrician may recommend a special shaping helmet to help the skull grow more symmetrically. In rare and severe cases, surgery may be discussed as an option to correct significant skull deformities.
In summary, a long or flat head in newborns can be concerning, especially for first-time parents, but it rarely poses a risk to the baby and often resolves within months. Don’t let the appearance of a long or flat head overshadow the joy of your child’s early months. By following simple tips like regularly changing your baby’s head position and encouraging skull growth, parents can support the natural correction of these conditions as their child grows.
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