There are so many things you don’t ever think about before becoming a parent, like the fact that a baby’s skull bones don’t fuse until they’re 9-18 months old. Because of this, Flat Head Syndrome is quite common in babies. Luckily, if your little one does develop this syndrome, it is typically easily treated by switching up their positioning and purchasing a baby flat head pillow.
It is well-known newborns are fragile as they have yet to develop muscle tone and can’t support their own heads. Your newborn’s head is soft because it had to pass through the birthing canal. Up until the skull is developed, it is important you include tummy time in your baby’s routine. It’s also important to consider proper sleeping techniques, as well as head and neck support to help your baby’s development. The best way to support a baby is to monitor the amount of time they spend on their back and to use a plagiocephaly pillow to support the baby’s head if they do develop Flat Head Syndrome.
Top Baby Flat Head Pillow Options
What To Look For in Your Baby Flat Head Pillow
When shopping for a pillow specifically designed for use with Flat Head Syndrome consider the following:
- Shape: Most flat head pillows hold your baby’s head in a ring, rather than on one specific spot.
- Support: The pillow should safely provide proper support.
- Age appropriate: The pillow should be specifically for your baby’s age. Luckily, there are a variety of pillows on the market. This makes it easy to ensure the one you choose suits your baby’s needs and is safe for sleeping.
Our Reviews of the 8 Best Baby Flat Head Pillows
Baby Pillow for Newborn by WelLifes
This baby pillow has a rectangular shape, very similar to a traditional pillow. The difference is that the center has a slope. There is an oval sewn down into the pillowcase to create a cradle for the baby’s head. This reduces the pressure on any one place on the head and makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep. The design paired with the 3D air net construction and filling will help keep your baby comfortable.
On top of all this, the cute patterns make it easy to match the pillow to any nursery theme. This is a great flat head pillow to try early on. You can even use it for prevention to reduce the chance of them ever developing a flat spot.
BabyMoov Lovenest Baby Pillow
Another great option is this heart-shaped baby pillow. This pillow’s design provides great head and neck support. This will help to soothe your baby to sleep, along with providing proper head support to reduce flat spots. A pediatrician designed this pillow to distribute pressure on the baby’s head evenly to encourage proper head development.
I also love that this pillow is easy to clean and is very portable. It is a great option for use everywhere from the crib to the bassinet, stroller, bouncer, and the floor. I love that the whole pillow is machine washable, so it can just be tossed in with all your laundry! It also comes in several colors, making it a great baby shower gift or simple solution to early flat head symptoms.
Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support
Babies spend a lot of time on their backs; the car seat, crib, swing, and stroller. It’s important that babies have proper support when on their backs in these scenarios, which is why this is a great baby pillow.
The Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support is a half-circle pillow with a cradle in the middle and a rectangle of fabric for resting behind the baby. This means you can use it in any car seat, crib, bassinet, or stroller. It will provide support no matter where you’re headed! Many infant car seats come with similar built-in support, but this baby pillow continues the support as your baby grows, reducing flat head and preventing further growth.
BAMMAX Memory Foam Baby Flat Head Pillow
This pillow is made from super soft breathable memory foam. The rectangular shape makes it best fitted for newborn babies because it can completely support their heads and necks. I also love that this pillow is lightweight making it easy to take along with you and move between your car seat and stroller.
Babymoon Pod 4-in-1 Multipurpose Infant Pillow
Lastly, this 4-in-1 multipurpose infant pillow is a great option for those that want a pillow that can do just about everything. You can use this C-shape pillow for support while breastfeeding, which is a great perk! Of course, it also provides head and neck support while back sleeping, in a car seat, or while on the floor.
This simple pillow has several configurations to use as baby grows. The four applications of this pillow are nursing, tummy time, travel, and for flat head prevention. This is a great all around pillow with a soft cover, available in several patterns, and with multiple applications.
JOHN N TREE Organic Baby Pillow
This organic cotton pillow is not only adorable but will provide your baby with the support they need and is made of breathable 3D-air mesh.
Bebo Beba Newborn Baby Head Shaping Pillow
This pillow is a great choice for either preventing or treating Flat Head Syndrome. It is made of breathable memory foam and because of its shape and size it is easy to use in a variety of places, like your baby’s crib or stroller.
Boppy Preferred Head and Neck Support Dinosaur
This super cute dinosaur is made to support your baby in their stroller, bouncer, or swing. Plus, the neck support ring is movable so you can continue to use it when your baby is older and no longer needs head support.
What Every Parent Should Know About Flat Head Syndrome
You might be wondering what exactly Flat Head Syndrome is and why having one of these pillows is so important. There are over 200,000 cases in the US every year meaning new parents should be informed and do what they can to prevent it.
Flat Head Syndrome (plagiocephaly) is when part of a baby’s head becomes flattened due to prolonged pressure on one specific spot. The most common cause is spending a lot of time on their backs. This might be in a crib, swing, car seat, or carrier.
According to the AAP, your baby should always sleep on their back to prevent SIDS. Even if you think your baby may be developing Flat Head Syndrome, you need to continue to practice this unless you speak with your pediatrician about making changes. Sleeping on their back does put pressure on the back of their head, but you can balance things out by making sure they aren’t on their back too much while awake.
You can treat this syndrome by switching up how your baby rests its head throughout the day. This can mean spending more time holding them (hooray for cuddles!) and playing with them during tummy time. Of course, the other thing you can do at home for treatment is to use a baby flat head pillow. They are one of the best ways to adjust where pressure is placed on the head.
Using a pillow designed for treating or preventing Flat Head Syndrome can help reduce the flatness and may help avoid a flat spot. There is also the option of medical treatment with therapy and devices to correct the flattened spot if necessary.
Have some questions about Flat Head Pillows? Feel free to list them in the comments Also, check out our Rookie Moms Facebook Group, it’s a great group of moms where you can share your experiences, ask for advice and even help out another mom!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are flat head pillows safe for babies?
You should discuss the use of a flat head pillow with your pediatrician. They will be able to best advise you how to use them safely.
Does a baby’s flat head correct itself?
In many cases flat head syndrome will correct itself. You should discuss any concerns you have with your pediatrician and they can advise you on next steps.
Can a flat spot on a baby’s head be fixed?
Yes, in some cases it may even resolve on its own. Using a pillow designed for treating Flat Head Syndrome can help reduce the flatness and may help avoid a flat spot. There is also the option of medical treatment with therapy and devices to correct the flattened spot if necessary.
