Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Flat head from back
Hello I have a 6 month old and his head has become flat backside. Back of the head is flat. I have tried changing sleeping positions & giving more tummy time.. still no results.
I want to know if his head will be ome round on it's own or it will remain flat ..
Answers (7)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Consult with Pediatrician physically for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced orthopedist online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+119
Hello, I understand your concern
This is called positional plagiocephaly
It is usually harmless and does not affect brain development. In most cases, the shape improves on its own as baby starts sitting, crawling, and spending less time lying down
Next Steps
Tummy time: Encourage 3–5 sessions a day, a few minutes each, when baby is awake and supervised
Change head position while sleeping: Alternate the baby’s head to face different directions each night
Hold the baby more: Reduce prolonged time on back (like in car seats, swings)
Side-lying play when awake (supervised)
Limit time in carriers like rockers or reclined chairs
Health Tips
Red flags:
Head shape is not improving by 7–8 months
Flattening is severe
Baby has tight neck muscles (torticollis)
There are signs of delayed milestones or asymmetric facial features
Helmet therapy is rarely needed, and only in severe cases after 6–7 months, and under specialist advice.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Greetings kindly go through the article you will get idea
"Flat Head Syndrome in Infants." by Dr.Shebin C E - https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/flat-head-syndrome-in-infants-51654/post
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Mild flatness in a 6-month-old often improves on its own as the baby grows, sits up more, and spends less time on their back. Since you’ve tried tummy time and position changes, continue them, and monitor progress. If there’s no improvement by 7–8 months, consult your pediatrician—helmet therapy may be considered if needed.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Prathibha Reddy
Pediatrician
12 yrs exp
Hyderabad
It will correct with increasing age . As baby sits up , stands . Give tummy time for 2-3 times a day . Under supervision during day time .
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anjali Maini
Pediatrician
33 yrs exp
Gurgaon
A flat backside of head is more liable to positional correction before 4 months of age. Nevertheless, the skull bones are still soft and pliable to correction since the baby at 6 months has still not started to sit up and be off the bed much.
Please keep putting the baby to sleep on the back till 1 year of age to prevent risk of SIDS. At the most you may turn the head towards both sides, as the case maybe, to prevent preferential side flattening of head. It is recommended to make use of window light/ a preferred toy/ mother’s presence to help the baby turn the head so.
Tummy time is another good option.
You may hold the baby occasionally in the arms to help sleep off without support on the back of head.
With age, some correction will take place as the baby gets to sit up, stand and walk around
Health Tips
There is only cosmetic risk for a flat head at the back, so please don’t stress much
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Noureen Sadaf
Pediatrician
3 yrs exp
Kota
It is a slow and tedious process. Do not expect results in 10-15 days. Just like it took a long time to flatten it will also take a long time for it to become more rounded. Also, check if the father also has a flatter backside as it can be familial as well.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
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.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
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.