REPOSITIONING TECHNIQUES
FOR PARENTS
Use these repositioning techniques once your baby gets home to promote healthy head and neck development
REPOSITIONING TECHNIQUES
All About Infant Head Repositioning
Research published by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that an infant’s head be turned regularly while lying on their back to avoid flat spots from occurring.
Repositioning will keep your baby’s head from always resting on the same area, allowing for a more even distribution of your baby’s head weight and helping to prevent and reshape flat spots.
Changing head positions also helps strengthen muscles in the neck, which is important as your baby begins to hold up her head and sit on her own.
Repositioning is important because some babies find a comfortable head position and stay there, which exacerbates Flat Head Syndrome.
Repositioning is critical from birth to six months of age, a period when a baby’s skull is soft and can be affected by constant pressure on one spot.
Tips for Repositioning Your Baby’s Head
Repositioning at a Glance
Tummy Time • Switch up Sleeping Direction • Use Toys to Turn Head • Use a Tortle
- Infants should be placed on their backs for sleep. You can change your baby’s sleeping position by alternating your child’s direction in the crib. For example, place the baby’s head at the top of the crib one night and toward the bottom of the crib the next night. This change will encourage the baby to turn his or her head in different directions to avoid resting in the same position all the time.
- Place a mobile on the side of the crib or playpen. The movement and sound will encourage your baby to look in that direction. Alternate the side and position of this mobile to keep your baby’s head and neck actively moving.
- Consider moving your baby’s crib to different areas of the room. Babies are attracted to light and will try to turn their heads toward a window.
- During playtime, make sure your baby gets plenty of “tummy time.” A baby should spend at least 30 – 60 minutes a day on their tummy, always under supervision. This will give your baby’s head a rest, and encourages the use of arm, leg, and neck muscles, which helps strengthen them.
- Limit chair time. Car seats, carriers, swings, bouncers and other devices allow your child to rest on the back of his or her head, creating continual pressure.
- Change holding arms. Alternate the arm you use to hold your baby while carrying her and during bottle or breastfeeding.
