Flat Head Worries? What’s Normal and When to Act

By Dr. Kara Rangel, DC, IBCLC

Perinatal, Postpartum & Pediatric Chiropractor | Cranial & Torticollis Specialist

You’ve noticed your baby’s head looks a little flat in the back—or maybe on one side.

You start wondering…

“Is this normal?”

“Will it round out on its own?”

“Do I need to do something?”

First of all—you’re not alone.

Flat spots on a baby’s head, also called plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, are incredibly common. But that doesn’t mean they’re something to ignore.

Let’s break down what’s normal, when to take action, and how gentle chiropractic and cranial care can help—often avoiding the need for a helmet entirely.

Why Do Babies Develop Flat Heads?

In the first few months of life, babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs. And since their skull bones are still soft and moldable, repeated pressure in one area can quickly lead to flattening. But here’s what most parents (and many pediatricians) don’t talk about:

A flat head is usually a symptom, not the root issue.

Most often, it’s caused by:

• Torticollis (tight neck muscles causing baby to look one direction more than the other)

• Cranial tension or birth trauma (especially from long labors, fast deliveries, or C-sections)

• Oral ties that affect feeding and cause baby to favor one side while nursing

• Limited tummy time due to discomfort, tension or delayed milestones

Signs It’s Time to Take Action

If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to have your baby evaluated by someone who understands head shape and underlying causes (hi that’s me!):

• Flattening that’s getting worse or not improving by 1–2 months

• Baby only looking one direction or preferring one breast

• A forehead that’s bulging or asymmetrical

• Ear shifting or facial asymmetry

• Difficulty turning their head fully side to side

• Delayed or uncomfortable tummy time

These are all red flags that your baby may be dealing with muscle tightness or cranial imbalances that won’t fully resolve on their own.

How I Help Babies with Flat Heads

At The Well Chiropractic & Lactation Support, I take a full-body, gentle approach to evaluating and treating plagiocephaly and torticollis. Here’s how:

1. Cranial & Chiropractic Care

I use gentle, specific adjustments and soft cranial work to help release tight muscles, improve head and neck mobility, and support proper skull shaping—all without force or cracking (no more pressure is applied than what you would put on your own eyelid).

2. Torticollis Support

We work on releasing tension patterns and supporting full head rotation through bodywork and parent-guided exercises you can do at home — releasing those tight muscles causing them to favor one side!

3. Feeding Evaluation

As an IBCLC (lactation consultant), I assess how feeding mechanics and positioning may be contributing to head preference or body asymmetry.

4. At-Home Guidance

You’ll leave with positioning tips, tummy time strategies, and exercises to support your baby’s progress between visits.

Want to Get Ahead of Flat Head Issues?

Download my free guide!

🔗 5 Tips to Help Prevent a Flat Head

Already noticing a flat spot? Learn how to help your baby at home:

🔗 Check out my online course: Help Your Baby with Their Torticollis & Flat Head at Home »