How is an uneven head shape treated?

Your child's health care provider will do a physical exam. If your baby is diagnosed with positional plagiocephaly, changes in the way you position your baby can minimize head unevenness. For example:

• Change your baby's position. Continue to place your baby on the back to sleep. But alternate the direction your baby's head faces in the crib. If your baby moves around while sleeping and settles into the previous starting position, adjust for this next time.
• Hold your baby. Hold your baby upright when awake to help relieve pressure on your baby's head from swings, carriers and infant seats. You might also hold your baby with alternate arms at each feeding.
• Try tummy time. With close supervision and while your baby is awake, frequently place your baby on the tummy to play. Make sure your baby is on a firm surface during tummy time.

Your baby's health care provider also may recommend physical therapy to treat head unevenness. Physical therapy for positional plagiocephaly involves exercises to help change a baby's preferred head position and strengthen the neck and head muscles.