Question
My one-month-old baby has a head tilt, and lying on their side for a while hasn’t shown significant improvement. I’ve tried having the baby sleep on the other side, but it didn’t work well. I hope to get some help, understanding how long it might take to correct the tilt and whether I should let the baby sleep with their neck on the pillow, as this might lead to a flat face.
Answer
Hello, a newborn’s head shape usually becomes symmetrical gradually after birth. However, if a head tilt issue arises, it is recommended that parents pay attention to having the baby sleep on a more central line. Guide the baby slightly on the side that is tilted and keep the environment around the baby’s head comfortable. Encourage the baby to drink more water to avoid heatstroke. At the same time, avoid letting the baby maintain the same sleep position for too long, especially during the day. Sleeping on the stomach can promote a rounder head shape and reduce the risk of choking on milk. However, note that the bed should not be too soft, and there should be no items around that could obstruct breathing. It is not recommended to use pillows or shaping pillows in the first three months of a newborn’s life to avoid affecting the baby’s breathing. Parents can place some soft cotton fluff or pure cotton towels under the baby’s head for cushioning.