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Head flattening
My 4 month old baby's right side of the head is little flat since he spend lot of time at right position. Due to this, the forehead bone is slightly shifted to fron than left side. Now i am trying to change his heads position while sleeping, but somehow he come back to same right side. Will the forehead get resolved when he grows up?
Answers (7)
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Dr Faisal Zoheb
MBBS , MD PAEDIATRICS , PGPN (BOSTON), Neonatology fellow ( Newborn and vaccination specialist )
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Yes it will get resolved when he grows up as your kid age is 4months only hence skull still is very soft
You need to keep changing position frequently
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This is a very common condition called positional plagiocephaly, which happens when babies repeatedly lie on one side of the head. As per IAP and AAP guidelines, this is usually a benign and reversible condition, especially at 4 months of age when the skull bones are still soft and growing. The mild flattening on the right side and slight prominence of the forehead on the same side occurs due to compensatory skull growth. In most cases, with proper repositioning and as the baby starts achieving milestones like rolling, sitting, and spending less time lying on the back, the head shape gradually improves on its own over time, and the forehead asymmetry also reduces significantly.
At this age, no medicines are required. You should continue repositioning techniques, increase supervised tummy time while awake, and encourage the baby to look towards the opposite side by placing toys, light, or your voice on the left side. Avoid prolonged time in one position (like swings, car seats). Babies often turn back to their preferred side due to habit or mild neck preference, so gentle and consistent efforts are needed.
Next Steps
Continue repositioning and tummy time regularly. If the flattening does not improve by 5–6 months, or if you notice tightness in neck movement (possible torticollis), consult a pediatrician for evaluation and possible physiotherapy. In rare moderate to severe cases not improving by 6 months, helmet therapy may be advised after pediatric consultation.
Health Tips
Do not use pillows or positioners for correction during sleep due to risk of suffocation. Always follow safe sleep practices (baby on back). Early intervention with positioning gives the best results, so your current efforts are very appropriate.
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Dr. Sushmitha Trivedi
Pediatrician
8 yrs exp
Gulbarga
From now on be careful about the head position. It is likely to resolve
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Dr. Tangade Vishal Bhanudas
Pediatrician
4 yrs exp
Pune
Visit physically to nearby pediatrician
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Dr. Santosh Bangar
Pediatrician
16 yrs exp
Ahmednagar
It will be fine no need to worry but try to keep changing the position while sleeping the baby
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Dr. Bhatt Vivek Prafulchandra
Pediatrician
5 yrs exp
Rajkot
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.