Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario

Preventing and Decreasing Progression of Positional Plagiocephaly

  • Parents/caregivers are encouraged to continue to place the baby on their back to sleep for all sleeps.
  • Parents/caregivers are encouraged to alternate the infant’s head position in the crib, in the supine position by changing the direction in which the infant lies in the crib every few days; feet pointing at one end of the crib for a few days, at the other end of the crib for the next few days and so on.
    • This may reduce the tendency to a right or left facing preference. It is NOT necessary to change an infant’s head position when they are sleeping. No positioning aids should be used to position the head.
  • Parents/caregivers are encouraged to decrease the amount of time the waking baby spends in a supine position where head movement is restricted i.e.: car seats, swings and chairs.
  • While baby is awake, parents/caregivers are encouraged to provide lots of “cuddle time” and holding the baby.
  • Parents/caregivers are encouraged to provide short and frequent opportunities for tummy time every day while the baby is awake and supervised.  
Women and Children
Working with Families to Promote Safe Sleep for Infants
Point of Care Resources