---
title: The Link between Baby Head Shape and Sleeping Position
description: Learn about the link between baby head shape and sleeping position, and how to reduce the impact that positioning has on the head shape. Find out more.
image: https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Safe%20sleeping%20position%20for%20babies.jpeg
---

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# The Link between Baby Head Shape and Sleeping Position

[Previous](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/normocephaly-explained-what-is-a-normal-head-shape)

[Next](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/why-cant-get-plagiocephaly-helmet-nhs)

![The Link between Baby Head Shape and Sleeping Position](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Safe%20sleeping%20position%20for%20babies.jpeg)

For babies to be able to pass through the birth canal, they are born with soft and malleable skulls that can adapt to the space. This softness also allows a baby’s head to grow after birth, and remains flexible throughout childhood, gradually becoming harder as the child grows. It is very flexible in early infancy and as a result, baby’s head shapes can be affected by a variety of different external factors. One of these includes sleeping position.

Sleeping positions are a little more complicated for babies than for adults. As adults, we can sleep however we please, but certain front or side-lying positions can pose as a risk to babies. As a result of these limitations in sleep positioning, the head shape can be affected if there is prolonged lying on the same area of the head.

#### Safe Sleeping Position

![Newborn baby sleep](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Newborn%20baby%20sleep.jpeg)

To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) it is recommended that babies are always placed on their backs to sleep. The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) started the ball rolling with this piece of important advice to parents in 1992. The National Institute of Child Health Development then launched the [‘Back to Sleep’ campaign in 1994](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Safe_to_Sleep) to help spread the message. Since then, the rate of SIDS has decreased greatly.

Sleeping on the back is the safest position for babies as it opens the airways and minimises the risk of choking. It’s also linked to other health benefits in babies, such as being less likely to develop an ear infection, stuffy nose, or increased body temperature. To put it comparatively, research has suggested that babies who sleep on their tummy are between **1.7** and **12.9** times as likely to succumb to SIDS.

#### Relationship Between Sleep Position and Head Shape

![Newborn cradle hold](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Newborn%20cradle%20hold.jpeg)

The Back to Sleep campaign has had fantastic results in reducing the incidence of SIDS in babies in the USA, the UK and across the world. It has helped to spread awareness of the condition and how it can be prevented. However, a somewhat unexpected side effect of this campaign was an increase in cases of flat head syndrome.

With the recommended advice that babies should sleep on their backs until they are old enough to roll themselves over, this means that some babies tend to sleep with continued pressure to the same areas of the head. With a baby’s skull being so soft at a young age, the weight of the head can result in a misshapen head.

#### Reducing the Impact of Sleeping Position on Baby Head Shape

![Safe Sleeping Position for baby](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Safe%20Sleeping%20Position%20for%20baby.jpeg)

Although sleeping position can cause a misshapen head to develop in little ones, there are some useful practices that can be adopted by parents to reduce the likelihood of a flattening developing. These methods can also help a flattening to improve if it has already developed.

Many babies like to sleep with their head facing towards their parent if they’re at the side of the bed in a separate sleep system. Sometimes, a strong light from a door or window will also encourage them to turn in one direction. This means that they run the risk of their head becoming misshapen from continued pressure to the same area. If you notice your baby doing this and/or have already started to notice that your baby has developed a flattening, alternate the side of the crib that you place your baby’s head on. This can help to encourage your baby to sleep on both sides of their head despite continuing to face towards the door or window.

If you notice that your baby has a tendency to lean on one side of their head when they are on their back whilst playing, use toys to encourage head movement and a more even pressure to the whole head.

Allowing your baby to have supervised time on their tummy during the day also gives their head a break from pressure to it. For more information on tummy time, [check out our guide.](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/community-and-resources/repositioning) These techniques are simple to do and very effective.

 

If your baby has developed a severe flattening that has not improved with any of the above techniques, we recommend that you [book an appointment](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/contact/book-a-free-pre-assessment) with one of our [friendly clinicians](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/about-us/our-team). They will assess the severity of your baby’s flattening and discuss appropriate [treatment options](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/cranial-remoulding-helmets/your-treatment-plan) with you.

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## More from our community…

###### [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Pillow%20-%20Blog%20Header%20-%201200x630%20-%2002.webp) Blog post Sleeping Systems and Pillows There are sleeping systems and pillows on the market which may provide benefits but only up to the ages of 4 to 5 months, before your baby starts to roll over. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/sleeping-systems-and-pillows)

###### [![](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/Pillow%20-%20Blog%20Header%20-%201200x630%20-%2002.jpg) Blog post Can Pillows Correct a Flat Head Shape Wondering if pillows can help with flat head shape? Learn about safe options, alternative techniques, and when to consider helmet therapy. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/can-pillows-correct-a-flat-head-shape)

###### [![Red Dot Award Winner: TiMbandAir](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/hubfs/TIM0016%20December%20Social%20and%20Blogs_Blog%20Header_1200x630.png) Blog post Red Dot award-winning triumph in product design excellence Discover the innovation behind Technology in Motion's TiMbandAir helmet, honoured with the prestigious Red Dot Award Best of the Best. Uncover the design excellence and groundbreaking features that set this helmet apart. Read more](https://www.technologyinmotion.com/blog/timbandair-red-dot-award)

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