All About the Newborn's Head Shape: What's Normal and What's Not

It is not uncommon for a new mother, or father for that matter to worry about the head shape of the newborn baby. In fact, newborn head shape may often appear flat, cone like, or have a quite distinct appearance. However disturbing the newborn head shape may seem, it is typically not cause for alarm. There are multiple reasons that a newborn baby's head shape is quite different from that of a child's or adults.

What Causes The Particular Head Shape of The Newborn?

For starters, the head shape of the newborn baby is influenced during birth. For the baby to be expelled from the womb, the considerable amount of pushing helps to mold the infants head which in turn assists in easing the passage through the birth canal. Since the bones in the head are yet to be fused entirely together, the head shape of the newborn baby may remain distinguished until this happens. Directly related to this is the "soft spot", that infants have.

What Is A Soft And/Or Flat Spot?

The soft spot in the baby's head is where the bones of the skull have not yet come together. Contrary to popular belief, there are two of these areas. The soft spot is in the front of the newborns head and the posterior soft spot is located in the back of the head. Rather than a soft spot, this area tends to be called a flat spot. This is perfectly normal and may be noticeable in the head shape for quite some time. Your pediatrician refers to the soft spots as a fontanels and will monitor the growth at regular checkups.

Abnormal Head Shapes For The Newborn

Many times, head shapes of the newborn are perfectly fine. However, there are some instances when the parent should be concerned. Despite the fact that skull bones are not fused, the baby should not have a head shape that looks sunken in or appearing to stick out. This can often be a sign of more serious conditions that has nothing to do with the infants normal growth and development.

The head shape of the newborn will vary by the individual infant. Although parents take care when dealing with the soft spot on the infants head, be assured the child does have some protection. Normal activities such as washing and/or combing hair are fine. Damage to the area is most often caused by extreme pressure and/or force. Those that are concerned about the head shape of the newborn should consult their pediatrician.