Baby's preferred head position

A preferred head position is very common in babies. A preferred position can cause discomfort for the baby, such as increased crying, more tension in the neck and back, and, cosmetically, a flattened or asymmetrical head. You naturally want to prevent this or resolve it quickly after birth. Doing so not only ensures your baby feels more relaxed but also prevents permanent flattening of the head.

How does a preferred head position develop?

In the womb, space becomes increasingly limited. In the final weeks, the baby's head often rests in one direction more and more, which can result in a somewhat stiff neck.
However, an extremely fast delivery or, conversely, a delivery where there was prolonged pressure on the head can also cause increased neck tension.

After birth, it is recommended to let your baby sleep on their back for safety reasons. But if your baby has a stiff or painful neck, they will turn their head to the most comfortable side. Because the skull sutures are still soft and there is prolonged pressure on one spot, a flattened or asymmetrical head can develop. The skull sutures fuse in the first few months, meaning flattening is often permanent.

What else can you notice with a preferred head position?

Sometimes it goes beyond just a preference for one side; the baby may cry more, seem restless, and frequently overextend. This is often noticeable during diaper changes, where your baby arches their back like a bow. These are clear signs that the little one is truly experiencing neck discomfort and that it is not just a preference for one side. Often, more help is needed than just the tips below—for instance, from a pediatric physical therapist or an osteopath specialized in babies. This is highly recommended in such situations, as you will often have a much more relaxed baby after just a few treatments.

Tips for a preferred head position

The tips below will help your child if they have a preferred head position or help prevent a flattened head.

1. Carry your child in a baby wrap or carrier. Carrying relieves pressure from the back of the head, preventing (further) flattening from lying on the back too much. Carrying frequently during the day already relieves many hours of pressure on the head.

2. Let your child lie on their tummy while they are awake. Practicing lifting their head makes the neck stronger immediately.

3. Sleeping is always safest on the back. However, a baby can certainly spend time on their tummy or side while you are supervising, for example, next to you in the playpen. This also reduces the pressure on the back of the head.

4. Avoid excessive use of bouncers, infant car seats, or reclining seats in high chairs. In these positions, all pressure is on the back of the head, and your child can see everything from a very inactive posture. There is no need for them to move. This position promotes further flattening.

5. Turn your child around in bed and turn their head. Babies like to turn their heads toward you, which sometimes helps. However, with a true preferred position, a child will often turn back. The tips above are often much more valuable in these cases.

6. Visit a pediatric physical therapist or an osteopath experienced with babies in a timely manner. Just a few treatments often make a difference. They often recommend this in combination with carrying because it reduces pressure on the head. Visiting a specialist in time often prevents the flattening or asymmetry from worsening.

Which baby wrap or carrier for a preferred head position?

An ergonomic position (supported from knee to knee, rounded back, and supported up to the neck) is important. Not all carriers on the market are ergonomic or suitable from birth.

For carriers, it is ideal if the straps run over the shoulders to the waist belt. This encourages a relaxed back position, unlike models where the shoulder straps are attached to the back panel. The latter tends to pull the back flatter or more hollow, whereas these babies benefit most from a rounded, relaxed back.

A wrap (stretchy or woven) or the Click & Go + or Wrap & Go + carriers are excellent choices!

Help from our babywearing consultant?

Sometimes you need personalized advice—someone to take a look at your preferences and your specific situation. You can easily send our babywearing consultant a WhatsApp message, and she will get back to you quickly. This way, you can be sure to purchase the product that truly suits your needs!