05 Feb Newborn’s Cone Head: What’s Normal & When It Goes Away
3 min. readIf you’ve just welcomed your baby into the world and noticed their head looks a little…cone-shaped, don’t panic! Many newborns are born with a temporary “cone head” due to the birthing process. While it may seem concerning at first, it’s completely normal and usually resolves on its own.
Here’s what you need to know about why it happens, when it goes away, and how to support your baby’s head shape.
Why Do Some Babies Have a Cone-Shaped Head?
During a vaginal delivery, your baby’s skull must squeeze through the birth canal. Unlike adult skulls, a newborn’s skull bones are soft and flexible, allowing them to temporarily overlap (a process called molding) to help the baby pass through more easily. This natural adjustment helps with delivery but can temporarily change the shape of their head.
Common reasons a baby may be born with a cone head:
– Vaginal birth – The pressure from the birth canal causes the skull to mold.
– Longer labor – The more time a baby spends in the birth canal, the more their skull adapts to fit.
– Assisted delivery – If forceps or a vacuum are used, they can slightly alter the head’s shape temporarily.
Babies born via C-section often have rounder heads at birth since they don’t go through the birth canal.
When Will My Baby’s Cone Head Go Away?
The good news is that a newborn’s head is incredibly resilient! Most newborns’ heads become rounder within the first week, but for some, it may take a few weeks. By the six-week check-up, significant improvement is usually seen. Their soft skull bones naturally shift back into place as they grow, and normal movement and different lying positions help even things out.
However, if you notice your baby’s head shape isn’t rounding out over time, talk to your pediatrician for guidance.
Can I Help My Baby’s Head Shape?
While a cone head will usually correct itself, here are a few things you can do to help:
✔️ Tummy Time – Giving your baby supervised tummy time helps relieve pressure from the back of their head and encourages natural skull reshaping.
✔️ Change Sleep Positions – Alternate your baby’s head position when laying them down to prevent flat spots from forming.
✔️ Hold & Carry More Often – Carrying your baby upright or in a soft baby carrier can help reduce pressure on their head.
Most importantly, be patient—your baby’s head shape will continue to develop naturally over the first few months!
When Should I Be Concerned?
While a cone-shaped head is typically harmless, reach out to your pediatrician if:
– The shape doesn’t improve after a few weeks.
– You notice flattening on one side that doesn’t improve with repositioning (which may indicate positional plagiocephaly).
– There are ridges where the skull bones meet, as this could indicate an underlying condition.
Your doctor can check your baby’s head shape and determine if any treatment is needed, but in most cases, no intervention is necessary!
Questions About Your Baby’s Cone-Shaped Head?
Your newborn’s cone-shaped head is a normal part of early development. If you have concerns, your pediatrician can provide guidance, but rest assured for most babies it’s harmless and temporary!
Have questions about your baby’s development? Our team is here to support you. Schedule a visit today!