Baby's head

Your baby’s head may flatten from sleeping on their back with their head in the same position.

Babies should always sleep on their back, to prevent sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

Tips to reduce and prevent flattening

To reduce or prevent flattening of your baby’s head you can: 

• vary the resting position of your baby’s head
• encourage them to turn their head
• turn their head to a different side each time you put them to bed
• change the position of the cot, or move toys and posters, so they look around the room
• change which end of the cot that your baby’s head usually lies
• give your baby time lying on their tummy (tummy time) while they’re awake, with you watching them.

Flattening generally doesn’t affect your baby’s growth or their brain development. However, if you are concerned about your baby’s head shape or size, talk to your Plunket nurse, or doctor. 

What are the fontanelles? 

When you run your hands along your baby’s head, you may notice ‘soft spots’ on top of their head where the skull bones haven’t joined yet. These are called fontanelles and they allow babies’ heads to grow quickly.  

The smaller fontanelle at the back of your baby’s head closes at about si9 to eight weeks, while closure of the larger front fontanelle (on the top of the head) varies, but usually closes between seven and 18 months. 

Talk to your Plunket nurse, your usual healthcare provider or call PlunketLine if you have questions or concerns about your baby's fontanelles.

Washing or touching the fontanelles won’t hurt your baby. You may see the front fontanelle going up and down at the same rate as the baby’s heartbeat – this is normal. 

When to visit a doctor 

It’s normal for the front fontanelle to look sunken or slightly raised. It is important to see a doctor or call PlunketLine (0800 933 922) immediately if the fontanelle: 

• looks very sunken (particularly if your baby is vomiting, has diarrhoea, isn't drinking well, or is having fewer wet nappies than usual) as this could be a sign of dehydration
• is bulging outwards when your baby isn't crying, or when you sit your baby up, as this could be a sign of a serious medical condition.