The Newborn Advice Nobody Gave You: Why Head Positioning Matters in the First Weeks
They told you about SIDS.
They told you about feeding.
They told you how to change a nappy, how often your baby should sleep, and probably gave you a whole list of things to watch for.
But there is one thing many new parents don't hear enough about:
How your baby's head rests and moves during those first few weeks.
And if you're sitting there thinking, Wait… I was supposed to know this too?
Take a breath.
You're not behind.
Nobody expects you to leave the hospital knowing everything about your baby's developing body.
But there are a few simple things you can start doing from week one that help your baby experience lots of different positions while they're awake - without compromising safe sleep.
First: back to sleep still means back to sleep
Let's make this really clear.
Your baby should always be placed on their back to sleep.
For naps and nighttime sleep, use a firm, flat sleep surface with the cot or bassinet kept clear of pillows, positioners, loose blankets, toys and other soft items.
You do not need to choose between safe sleep and protecting your baby's head shape.
The answer is not putting your baby to sleep on their side.
The answer is giving them lots of opportunities to move and change position while they're awake and supervised.
4 Simple Things You Can Do at Home Today
You don't need special equipment.
You don't need a developmental programme.
And you certainly don't need to turn your newborn's day into a therapy session.
Think of these as tiny moments of movement and variety that you can weave into your ordinary day.
1. Face-to-Face Tummy Time
Try this: 2–5 minutes at a time, several times throughout the day.
Sit comfortably and lean back slightly.
Place your awake baby tummy-down on your chest, supporting them securely.
Then get close.
Talk. Sing. Smile. Make eye contact.
Your face gives your baby a reason to gradually lift and turn their head.
If they don't tolerate it for long, that's okay.
Try 30 seconds.
Then try again later.
You're building the skill, not testing it.
💡 Parent tip: If your baby is very sleepy, try tummy time when they're calm and alert rather than immediately after a feed.
Remember: tummy time is only for an awake, supervised baby. If your baby falls asleep, move them to their safe sleep space on their back.
2. The "Look Both Ways" Game
Try this: 1–2 minutes during a calm awake period.
Place your baby on their back on a safe, firm surface.
Get their attention with your face or voice.
Start on one side.
“Hi, baby!”
Wait for them to look towards you.
Then slowly move around to the other side and talk to them again.
Or get dad involved too and have him on one side or a younger sibling. See who your baby prefers to look at 🤭
You're not trying to force their head around.
You're simply giving them an interesting reason to look in different directions.
Try this from both sides throughout the day.
💡 Parent tip: You can use your face rather than a toy. For a newborn, you are usually the most interesting thing in the room.
Watch for:
If your baby consistently struggles to turn towards one side, always keeps their head facing the same direction, or appears uncomfortable when turning, mention this to your healthcare professional during your next check-up.
3. Carry & Change Sides
Try this: Throughout your normal day.
Every time you pick your baby up, ask yourself:
“Which side am I carrying them on?”
You can also change the side you approach them from when you're talking, singing or interacting.
This naturally changes what your baby sees and encourages them to experience different head and body positions.
You don't need to switch perfectly every time.
If you're feeding at 2am and can barely remember your own name, just do what works.
The goal is variety over time, not perfection.
💡 Parent tip: If your baby strongly prefers looking one way, use your voice and face from the less-preferred side during awake time to gently encourage them to notice that direction.
4. The Lap Tummy-Time
Try this: A few times during the day when your baby is calm and awake.
Sit comfortably with your legs together.
Place your baby tummy-down across your thighs, with their head supported and turned to one side.
Get down close to their level.
Talk to them.
Let them look at your face.
After a short time, gently change which direction their head is facing if they are comfortable and able to do so.
This is a lovely alternative if floor tummy time feels overwhelming in those first few days.
It also turns an ordinary moment - a cuddle on the sofa - into an opportunity for movement.
💡 Parent tip: Try this after a nappy change when your baby is awake and settled.
Your "Do It Today" Plan
If you're wondering how to fit all of this into an already exhausting newborn day, don't.
You don't need a schedule.
Instead, attach the activities to things you're already doing.
After a nappy change
→ Look Both Ways
During a cuddle
→ Face-to-Face Tummy Time
While carrying your baby
→ Change Sides
During a quiet awake period
→ Lap Tummy-Time Mini Lift
That's it.
Four tiny opportunities.
And they don't have to happen perfectly every day.
One Important Thing: Don't Force It
Your baby's movements may be small and unpredictable in the first few weeks.
That's normal.
If your baby becomes distressed, tired or overwhelmed, stop and try again later.
These activities should be about connection and movement, not pushing your baby to achieve a position.
And if you notice that your baby consistently:
- turns their head in only one direction
- struggles to turn their head to the other side
- keeps their head tilted
- seems uncomfortable when turning
- develops a noticeable or increasing flat area
talk to your paediatrician, doctor, physiotherapist, occupational therapist or other appropriate healthcare professional.
You don't have to figure it out alone.
The Goal Isn't a Perfect Head Shape
It's easy to fall into the newborn comparison trap.
You see another baby's photos.
You Google.
You find a head-shaping pillow.
Then another product.
Then another article.
And suddenly you're wondering if you're doing everything wrong.
Pause.
Your newborn doesn't need you to spend the day repositioning their head.
They need safe sleep, responsive care, movement, tummy time, cuddles and opportunities to explore their world.
Small moments count.
A few minutes on your chest.
Your face moving from one side to the other.
A cuddle in a different position.
A little time looking around while awake.
These are ordinary moments.
And ordinary moments are where so much early development happens.
Want more simple ways to play with your newborn?
Whether you're looking for more ideas to support your baby's development through everyday play, or you're simply wondering “Is this normal?”, you don't have to figure it out alone.
A Play Consult gives you the opportunity to talk through your baby's movement, positioning and play, and get personalised ideas that fit into your everyday routine.
Ready to chat?
Your baby doesn't need a perfect parent.
They need a parent who knows what to look for, knows when to ask for help - and gets plenty of chances to simply play, move and connect.
