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Patient Questions  /  Flat spot on baby's head

Kids & Babies

What Causes a Flat Spot on My Baby's Head?

Most flat spots come from steady pressure on the same part of a baby's soft, growing skull, often from lying in the same position for long stretches, which is called positional plagiocephaly. A tight neck muscle (torticollis) is a common reason a baby keeps resting on the same spot, so keep putting your baby to sleep on their back, and change positions while they're awake.

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Common causes

  • Back sleeping. It is still the safest way for babies to sleep, as the AAP advises. The answer is more awake time off the back, not a different sleep position.
  • Lots of time in seats. Car seats, swings and bouncers press on the back of the head.
  • Always looking one way, often from torticollis.
  • Being born early, when the skull is softer.
  • Position in the womb, or being a twin or multiple.

Is it serious?

A positional flat spot is a change in head shape. It doesn't put pressure on the brain. Many flat spots improve as babies get stronger, spend less time on their backs, and start sitting and crawling.

Rarely, an unusual head shape comes from craniosynostosis, where skull bones join together too early. That needs a doctor's care, so ask your pediatrician to check any flat spot you notice.

What helps

Give plenty of tummy time, hold your baby upright more, limit time in seats, and switch which end of the crib your baby's head is at. Treating a tight neck helps too.

When to see a doctor

Talk with your pediatrician if:

  • The flat spot is getting worse, even with position changes
  • One ear, one side of the forehead or one side of the face looks pushed forward
  • You feel a hard ridge along your baby's skull
  • The soft spot on top of the head seems to have closed early
  • Your baby always turns their head one way or has a head tilt

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A pediatric physical therapist checks your baby's head shape, neck movement and strength, treats any neck tightness, and teaches you positioning and play that take pressure off the flat spot. You are part of every visit, you get a home program, and we coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Flat head (plagiocephaly) →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

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This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026