#asktheexpert will this become round

1 Answer

POOJA KOTHARIMom of a 8 yr 6 m old boy1 Year ago

A. It's normal for a one-month-old baby's head to still be somewhat irregular in shape. Many babies are born with a slightly misshapen head due to the pressures of childbirth, and their skulls are still soft and flexible. Here's what to expect: ### **Head Shape Development:** 1. **Newborn Head Shape:** - **Molding:** The baby’s head may appear cone-shaped or slightly irregular immediately after birth due to the pressure during delivery. This usually improves within the first few weeks. 2. **One Month Old:** - **Normal Variation:** At one month, it's common for the head to still be somewhat uneven. The soft spots (fontanelles) on the baby’s skull are still open, and the bones are gradually moving into their final positions. 3. **Around 6 Months:** - **Head Shape Correction:** By around 6 months, most babies’ heads start to round out as they spend more time in different positions and the skull bones naturally align. 4. **If Concerned:** - **Positional Plagiocephaly:** If your baby’s head shape appears flat or asymmetrical, especially if they spend a lot of time lying on their back, it might be positional plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). In many cases, changing the baby's position and providing supervised tummy time can help. ### **Recommendations:** - **Tummy Time:** Ensure your baby has regular supervised tummy time when awake to encourage different head positions and promote overall development. - **Different Positions:** Change the baby’s head position while sleeping, and avoid prolonged periods in one position. If you have concerns about your baby’s head shape or if it seems significantly misshapen, consult your pediatrician. They can assess your baby’s head development and offer guidance or referrals to specialists if needed.