Understanding Your Baby's Head Reshaping Journey

how long does it take for newborn head to reshape

Newborn babies often have misshapen heads at birth, but this is usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, a baby's head will self-correct in the first few weeks of their life. However, if you're concerned about your baby's head shape, it's important to recognise what is considered a normal head shape and understand the options available for treatment if needed. Normocephaly is the medical term for a baby's head with normal dimensions and proportions. A normal head should resemble an egg shape when viewed from above, with the back of the head wider than the front. A baby's head shape has fully developed when its cranial sutures have closed, which occurs at around 18 months of age.

Characteristics Values
Normocephaly definition A baby’s head with normal dimensions and proportions
Normocephaly shape Resembles the shape of an egg, with the back of the head wider than the front
Normocephaly width 78% of the length
Normocephaly diagonal difference Less than 6mm
Time for self-correction First few weeks of life
Time for self-correction if not misshapen First few months of life
Time for treatment Up to 14 months
Best age for treatment 4 to 7 months
Time for soft spots to close Between 9 to 18 months
Time for posterior fontanelle to close 1-2 months
Time for anterior fontanelle to close 7-19 months
Time for head shape to improve 1-2 years

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The role of soft spots in reshaping a newborn's head

All babies are born with two soft spots, known as fontanelles, on their heads. The anterior fontanelle is the larger of the two and is located at the top of the head, while the posterior fontanelle is smaller and found at the back. These soft spots are made up of skull bones that are still forming and expanding as the baby's brain grows.

The soft spots on a newborn's head serve two main functions. Firstly, they enable the skull to compress and overlap during a vaginal delivery, allowing the baby's head to pass through the narrow birth canal. Secondly, they allow the skull to expand, accommodating the rapid brain growth that occurs in the first year of life.

The posterior fontanelle typically closes by the time a baby is two months old, while the anterior fontanelle can close anytime between four and 26 months of age, with the latest being around 18 months. In rare cases, if a baby's fontanelles close too early, it could indicate a condition called craniosynostosis, where the skull bones fuse prematurely, resulting in an unusual head shape.

It is important to monitor a baby's soft spots and seek medical advice if there are any concerns. For example, a sunken fontanelle could indicate dehydration, while a constantly bulging one could suggest increased pressure on the brain. Additionally, if a baby's fontanelles have not started to shrink within a year, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.

In summary, the soft spots on a newborn's head play a crucial role in facilitating childbirth and accommodating brain growth during the first year of life. These spots gradually close over the first two years, ensuring the baby's skull can expand and adapt to their developing brain.

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How long does it take for a newborn's head to round out after birth?

A newborn baby's head is often misshapen after birth due to the birth process and the soft spots on their skull, known as fontanelles. These soft spots allow the skull to mould and shift during childbirth, making it easier for the baby to pass through the birth canal. In most cases, a baby's head will round out during infancy and become more noticeable as their hair grows.

The time it takes for a newborn's head to round out can vary. Some sources suggest that a baby's head may appear less cone-shaped within a few days as the birth trauma settles. In the first few weeks after birth, the head should start to look less misshapen, and by the time they are one or two years old, any flattening should be barely noticeable. However, it may take a couple of months before improvements are noticeable.

If the misshapen head is due to plagiocephaly or brachycephaly (flat head syndrome), treatment may be required. This can include helmet therapy, which is most effective when started between 4 to 7 months of age, or physiotherapy to loosen and strengthen neck muscles.

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The causes of a misshapen newborn head

It is normal for babies' heads to be misshapen after birth and in the first few months of life. This is because a newborn’s head is soft and pliable, making it easier for the skull to move through the birth canal. A baby’s head shape may change based on how long the mother was in labour, the amount of pressure the baby experienced while passing through the birth canal, and whether the birth was vaginal or a C-section.

The birth canal

The fontanelles, or soft spots, on a newborn’s head are membrane-covered gaps between several bony plates that make up the skull. They help the infant's head to shift and mould so it can fit through the birth canal. If you've had a vaginal delivery — especially one in which you pushed for a long time — the baby's head may appear pointy or cone-shaped. These soft spots will start to close when the baby is about 6 months old and will close completely by the time the baby reaches 18 months.

Sleeping position

Placing babies on their backs to sleep is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, this can cause flat spots to appear on the baby's head if they always rest in the same position. This condition is known as positional plagiocephaly. Spending a lot of time lying flat in a car seat, stroller, or rocker can also lead to flat spots.

Congenital torticollis

Sometimes an asymmetrical baby head shape is due to congenital torticollis, a normally mild condition characterised by limited neck mobility. Tight conditions in the womb, such as the breech position, can affect the way the neck muscles develop. Babies with torticollis find it difficult to move their head to one side, so their head shape may become more asymmetrical over time if they usually sleep with their head facing the same way.

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Treatments for a misshapen newborn head

It is common for newborns to have misshapen heads after birth, and this is usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, the head will round out during infancy. However, there are some treatments that can help reshape a newborn's head if needed. Here are some options to consider:

Repositioning and Tummy Time

For mild cases of deformational plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, repositioning your baby's head more often can help normalize their head shape. This can include practices such as safe tummy time, holding or carrying your baby more often, using a baby sling or front carrier, and changing their sleeping direction in their crib or bassinet. Limiting the time your baby spends in a car seat, bouncer, swing, or bouncy seat can also help relieve pressure on their head.

Physical Therapy

If your baby has muscular torticollis, tight neck muscles that cause them to turn their head to one side while sleeping, physical therapy can help. A pediatric physical therapist can provide exercises to stretch and strengthen your baby's neck muscles, increasing their range of motion and relieving tight muscles.

Helmet Therapy

If your baby's head shape doesn't improve by the time they are six months old, or if they have a more severe case of plagiocephaly, a special baby head-shape helmet may be recommended. This helmet is custom-measured to fit your baby's head and is designed to relieve pressure on flat spots, encouraging a more rounded shape. Your baby will typically need to wear the helmet for about 22 hours a day for several months, starting treatment before their first birthday for optimal results.

Surgery

In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat positional plagiocephaly if the baby's skull structure interferes with their vision, chewing, or jaw position. Surgery is also typically recommended for babies with craniosynostosis, a condition where the skull bones fuse together too early, affecting brain development and leading to potential complications.

It's important to consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your baby's head shape. They can advise you on the best course of treatment and ensure your baby receives the care they need.

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When does a newborn's head shape become permanent?

A newborn baby's head shape will usually become permanent around 18 months after birth, when the largest fontanelle (soft spot) closes. However, it is important to note that even after the fontanelle closes, the soft spots will remain flexible throughout childhood, allowing the head and face to continue growing and remodelling.

At birth, a baby's head is pliable and soft, which makes it easier for the skull to move through the birth canal. This often results in a misshapen head, which is completely normal and usually nothing to worry about. In most cases, a baby's head will round out during infancy. The head shape may change depending on factors such as the length of labour, the amount of pressure the baby experiences during birth, and the type of delivery (vaginal or C-section).

During the first few months of a baby's life, the skull can develop flattening if the baby's head is continuously lying in one position, such as on a mattress, in a car seat, or in a stroller. This condition is known as positional plagiocephaly or "flat head syndrome" and is characterised by a flat spot on one side of the head. It usually resolves on its own and does not affect the baby's brain development.

To promote a normal head shape, it is recommended to vary the baby's sleep position and encourage tummy time when the baby is awake. Physiotherapy may also be suggested to loosen and strengthen the baby's neck muscles.

In rare cases, a baby may have an unusual skull shape due to a condition called craniosynostosis, where the skull bones join together too early. If you are concerned about your baby's head shape, it is best to consult with a healthcare provider.

Frequently asked questions

A newborn's head will usually self-correct and round out in the first few weeks of their life. However, it can take up to a couple of months to start noticing an improvement in the head shape.

You can encourage your baby's head to reshape by gently altering their head position from left to right while they're asleep, feeding, and playing. Changing your baby's position is called counter-positioning or repositioning, which encourages the flattened areas of your baby's head to reshape naturally.

In most cases, there is no reason to worry about changes in a baby's head shape. However, if you notice any of the following signs, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider:

- Your baby's head has been misshapen for two weeks since birth.

- There is a bulging or swollen spot on your baby's head.

- Your baby has a sunken soft spot or no soft spot.

- Your baby's eyes change shape or position.

- Your baby's forehead changes position.

- Your baby's head is not growing or is growing very slowly.

- Your baby is unusually sleepy or vomiting.

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