A newborn baby with an uneven head shape is not an uncommon sight. Though it is not a life-threatening situation, parents often worry about it and are keen to take corrective measures at the earliest. Fortunately, with a little patience and some well-meaning advice, it is possible to ensure that your baby gets a perfectly-shaped head.

Why Does the Head Shape of a Baby Appear Uneven?:;
The bones inside a baby’s skull are soft so that it becomes easy for the head to squeeze through the birth canal during a normal delivery. Yet, there is some amount of pressure exerted on the baby’s head during delivery which could result in it becoming elongated or cone-shaped. The soft spots inside the head will take some time to fill and this will happen gradually as the bones come closer and fuse with each other. Prematurity is also another cause for a baby’s uneven head shape. If the baby is premature, his head will be soft and the bones will not be fully formed.
How long does an infant’s head shape take to fully develop?:;
Your newborn baby’s head has two soft spots, one on the top and the other at the back. The fontanelle, which is at the back of the infant’s head, will close at around six weeks. The soft spot at the top of the head is much more obvious to touch and can be seen as a tiny dip of skin. This spot will usually close after about 18 months of age.
How is an uneven head shape treated?:;
Your child's doctor will do a physical exam to make a diagnosis of positional plagiocephaly. Changes in the way you position your baby can minimise unevenness and hasten its resolution. For example:
Change direction:;Continue to place your baby on his or her back to sleep, but alternate the direction your baby's head faces when you place him or her in the crib. Or place your baby's head near the foot of the crib one day, the head of the crib the next. You might also hold your baby with alternate arms at each feeding. If your baby returns to the original position while sleeping, adjust his or her position next time.

Hold your baby:;
Holding your baby when he or she is awake will help relieve pressure on your baby's head from swings, carriers and infant seats.
#babychakra #babychakraapp #babychakrateam #babylove #babycaretips #newbaby #newparentslife #momadvice