They Said It’ll Round Out. Here’s What You Can Do While You Wait.
“They said it’ll round out.”
Maybe it will.
And we hope it does.
But if you're a new parent who has noticed a change in the shape of your baby's head, being told to “just wait and see” can leave you feeling surprisingly helpless.
You might be thinking:
Am I imagining it?
Should I be doing something?
Did I cause this?
What if it gets worse?
What if I wait too long?
First, take a breath.
You haven't failed your baby.
You didn't cause this by putting your baby down for a nap, following safe-sleep guidance, or doing what you were told.
In fact, putting your baby on their back to sleep is exactly what you should be doing.
Positional flattening is common because babies spend a lot of time on their backs, particularly in the early months when their skulls are soft and developing. Some babies also develop a strong preference for looking in one direction, which can mean that the same part of the head is resting against a surface more often.
And this is where things can feel confusing.
You're being told to keep your baby safe by placing them on their back to sleep - while also being told that they need opportunities to spend less time resting on the same part of their head.
Both things can be true.
The answer isn't to compromise safe sleep.
Instead, the opportunity is to think about what happens during the many hours your baby is awake, alert and supervised.
“Watch and wait” doesn't have to mean “do nothing.”
If your paediatrician has recommended monitoring your baby's head shape, you may have a window of time where you're simply watching how things develop.
That can feel frustrating.
But this period can also be an opportunity to introduce more movement into your baby's day and encourage them to develop the strength and freedom to move their head in different directions.
Think less about “fixing your baby's head” and more about creating a day where your baby has lots of opportunities to:
- Lift and turn their head
- Look in different directions
- Strengthen their neck and upper body
- Spend less awake time resting on the same part of their head
- Explore different positions while being safely supervised
You don't need expensive equipment.
You don't need to turn your baby's day into a therapy programme.
And you certainly don't need to feel guilty if your baby doesn't love tummy time at first.
Small, repeated opportunities throughout the day can become playful moments you share together.
So instead of thinking “I need to do exercises with my baby,” try thinking:
“I’m going to play three little games today.”
🎈 Game 1: “Peek-a-Boo!”
Babies are naturally fascinated by faces.
So, let's use their favourite person - you!
During awake, supervised tummy time, get down at your baby's level and let the fun begin.
Hide your face behind your hands, a colourful scarf or simply move just out of sight.
Then…
“Peek-a-boo! I see you!” 👀
Move your face slowly from one side to the other, encouraging your baby to follow you with their eyes and turn their head to find you.
Try:
“Where's Mum?”
Pause.
Give your baby time to look for you.
Then pop up on the other side:
“PEEK-A-BOO!” 🎉
You can sing, smile, pull funny faces or simply talk to your baby as you move from side to side.
And if you have some bold red lipstick 💋, put it on! A bright face can make you even more interesting to watch.
The goal isn't to make your baby turn their head as far as possible.
It's to make looking, turning and moving fun.
You can also play Peek-a-Boo while your baby is supported on your chest or across your lap.
Make it a game.
Your baby doesn't know they're practising head movement.
They just think their favourite face keeps disappearing… and magically coming back! 🥰
🐻 Game 2: “Let's Go on an Adventure”
Your baby's world is full of things worth looking at.
So, take them on a little awake-time adventure.
Instead of always placing your baby in the same position or looking at the same part of the room, change their viewpoint throughout the day.
Try:
- Looking out of a window together
- Exploring a mirror
- Watching you fold laundry
- Looking at pictures or books
- Moving around the room while you talk to them
- Playing with a favourite toy
You can change which side you approach them from, giving them opportunities to look in different directions.
And when you're carrying your baby, vary the side you carry them on when it is comfortable and appropriate.
Think:
“What can I show my baby from over here?”
rather than:
“How do I make my baby turn their head?”
You're creating opportunities for natural movement and curiosity.
And honestly?
🤭The laundry may be fascinating when you're three months old.
🚂 Game 3: “Tummy-Time Train”
If tummy time isn't your baby's favourite activity, you're not alone.
So, let's make it less about “doing tummy time” and more about going somewhere.
Put your baby on their tummy while they're awake and supervised.
Then become the Tummy-Time Train Driver.
Get down on the floor with them.
Make sounds.
Sing a little song.
Move a toy slowly from side to side.
Let your baby watch you.
Put a colourful hat on to mimic a conductor.
Have stuffed animals who can board the train at various stops.
You can even make up your own train noises:
“Choo choo! Here comes Mum!”
The aim is to encourage your baby to lift their head, look around and gradually become more comfortable spending time on their tummy.
If they get tired or frustrated, stop and try again later.
You don't need to win the tummy-time Olympics.
Short, happy attempts count.
And as your baby gets stronger, you can gradually build up the amount of tummy time they're comfortable with.
❤️ The real goal? More movement. More play. Less pressure.
Notice the theme?
We're not asking you to add another complicated task to an already exhausting day.
We're taking things you're already doing - talking, cuddling, carrying, playing and exploring - and turning them into opportunities for movement.
Because your baby doesn't need a parent who spends the whole day worrying about head shape.
They need opportunities to move, explore, connect and play.
🤱🏽And you deserve to enjoy those moments too.
And please don't change safe sleep to try to change head shape.
This is so important.
When your baby is sleeping, continue to follow safe-sleep guidance:
Baby on their back.
Firm, flat sleep surface.
Clear sleep space.
Don't use pillows, wedges, sleep positioners or other soft products to hold your baby's head in a particular position during sleep.
The repositioning we're talking about here is for awake, supervised time.
You don't need to choose between supporting your baby's development and keeping them safe.
Safe sleep comes first.
And Mum, if you've been feeling guilty…
Please hear this.
You noticed.
You asked.
You took your baby to the paediatrician.
You followed the advice you were given.
You weren't overreacting.
And you don't need to spend every waking moment worrying about the shape of your baby's head.
Your baby doesn't need a perfect routine.
They need a parent who is supported, informed and given practical things they can actually do.
So, if you're in that “watch and wait” window right now, think of it as an opportunity rather than a countdown.
Play “Peek-a-Boo”
Go on an “Adventure.”
Hop aboard the “Tummy-Time Train.”
Give your baby opportunities to move, look, lift, turn and explore.
And if you're concerned about your baby's head shape or how freely they're moving, keep the conversation going with your healthcare professional.
You don't have to panic.
But you also don't have to feel powerless.
There are small things you can do today.
Want more playful ideas?
If you'd like practical support for turning everyday play into opportunities for movement and development, you can book a Play Consult Call for personalised guidance.
👉 Book a Play Consult
https://calendly.com/esther-thetoypharmacy/play-support-call?month=2026-09
You noticed. You weren't overreacting. And while you're waiting, you can still support your baby - one little game at a time.
