Sometimes babies develop a flatter area either at the back of or on one side of their head. This is called plagiocephaly.
It can develop when your baby:
Plagiocephaly usually gets better on its own if your baby’s spending less time lying on their back when they’re awake.
If you’re worried or want more information, ask your midwife, health visitor or family nurse.
You can help your baby’s natural head shape to return by getting your baby to spend less time lying on their back when they’re awake.
You can also:
As soon as they start being able to control their head, you can lie them on their tummy when they’re awake and you are watching them.
When your baby’s in a cot, if they always face to one side you can try:
Always lie them on their back when they’re sleeping though, and never let them sleep on their tummy.
Translations and alternative formats of this information are available from Public Health Scotland.
If you need a different language, please contact phs.otherformats@phs.scot
Last updated:
6 November 2023