You might’ve heard that the flat head syndrome is nothing to worry about but try telling that to a 14-year old who can’t get the haircut they want because their head is asymmetrical.
You might’ve also heard that it rarely happens. Not true – one in every five babies will be affected at some point.
In most cases, it’s not a significant cause for concern, but why dabble in the “mosts” and “what ifs” if we can prevent it or quickly correct it simply by choosing the pillow properly.
| Image | Best Baby Pillows For Flat Head Syndrome | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | W WelLifes Baby Pillow |
| CLICK FOR PRICE |
 | Babymoov Lovenest Baby Head Support |
| CLICK FOR PRICE |
 | Ashtonbee Baby Head Shaping Pillow |
| CLICK FOR PRICE |
 | Bebo Beba Newborn Baby Head Shaping Pillow |
| CLICK FOR PRICE |
 | AtoBaby Baby Pillow |
| CLICK FOR PRICE |
 | Dodo Baby Pillow for Newborn |
| CLICK FOR PRICE |
Enter this guide
I’m not one to toot my own horn, but I’ve seen what’s out there in terms of information on the best baby pillows for flatheads. I can confidently say that what you’re reading right now is the most thorough, data-based guide on choosing a good pillow for flat-heat syndrome.
More on that is in the second part of the guide.
For those of you only interested in the specific pics and the data and logic behind them, let me dive into the fundamental question of safety. Right after, I’ll list my top picks and the data and reason behind the choices.
Are pillows for flat head syndrome safe?
Babies with flat heads can experience difficulties in breathing. They can’t lie down comfortably and move their head as well on a flat surface of a crib or cot.
A Plagiocephaly pillow or a flat head pillow is a possible solution. Read more on the safety of flat head pillows.
Here are a few reasons that will convince you to buy it for your newborn:
Flat Head Pillows Are Breathable & Safe
The pillow allows your baby’s head to be in a position that will have them breathing comfortably.
The infant pillows we’ve selected are all safe and have TUV certification.
All the materials used in the manufacturing are either cotton or 3D Air Mesh Fabric that is safe from allergies and soft.
It’s important to note that your baby should NOT sleep unattended on a pillow. Even then, pillow time should be limited. These pillows for flat head correction are remedies, not permanent solutions.
IF IN DOUBT, TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!
Pressure Redistribution
The main issue leading to Flat Head Syndrome is that the baby typically lies in one position only, so the head becomes flat on one side.
The best baby pillow for newborn babies makes sure that the baby’s skull does not undergo a lot of pressure while lying down.
These pillows are instrumental in preventing flat head syndrome by redistributing the pressure to all sides of the head while offering head support to encourage proper breathing.
Doctors do recommend these types of infant pillows for plagiocephaly prevention as they are incredibly effective, but every baby is different: talk to your doctor if you’re in doubt.
You can learn more about flat head syndrome or Positional Plagiocephaly (also known as Brachycephaly) here:
Best baby pillows for flat head syndrome
1 – WelLifes head shaping baby pillow
This guide has seen multiple updates since the initial publication. Products have been coming in and out, we interviewed baby gear experts with different opinions and picks.
One of two constants in the top 10
Opinions vary vastly, even among the experts – with two expectations, the Wel Lifes and the runner-up BabyMoov Lovenest (below). These two pillows have been switching places at the very top for as far back as this guide goes.
What does it mean for you?
It means that, for most people, one of these two pillows is where the search ends. Who’ll choose which depends on the subtle differences between the two.
Defining features of the WelLifes:
- Made of organic cotton
- Breathable construction – 3D-air Mesh
- The front of the pillow is organic cotton-sponge bonded
- Carries all international textile certifications
- Hypoallergenic filling
- Wide variety of finish colors (currently 19)
- Size (inches) and weight (ounces) : 12.6 x 9.5 x 1.1, 5.3 oz
Main benefits
This baby pillow ticks all the boxes, which is probably why it’s (based on my data) the most popular choice on the market.
It’s made from breathable fabric and measures approximately 13 x 9 inches. The 3D-air mesh construction of the pillow allows it to help regulate body temperature. The material used on the back is well ventilated.
And it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg – in fact, it costs 3-5 times less than the pillows made of similar materials and with similar satisfaction percentages.
Shape and materials
The shape of the pillow is concave, so the head of the baby can rest easily.
It’s made from 100% Certified Organic Cotton fabric bonded with a sponge, which provides extra comfort and cushioning. The combo is microbe-resistant, which is a huge plus.
The depth of the pillow can be adjusted by massaging it from the center out – this will deepen the indent in the pillow.
Fabrics
It carries all the necessary fabric certifications such as GOTS (Global Textile Standard) and OE100 (Organic Exchange Standard) organic farming certification.
Bottom line – there’s a good reason behind the popularity of this baby head shaping pillow. It’s been clinically proven to be effective at preventing and correcting flat head syndrome.
Pros
- Soft and durable.
- Provides comfort and cushioning.
- Resistant to microbes.
- Helps with body temperature control.
- 100% Satisfaction Guarantee from the manufacturer
- Available in a wide variety of colors
Cons
- Washing can cause shrinkage of the fabric.
- May harden upon washing.
What I love about it
I’m all about safety, especially when it comes to items that will be touching the baby’s head. In that aspect, this baby pillow delivers.
Onto the main point – the effectiveness. At the time of completing this guide, this pillow had a satisfaction percentage of 86% according to my data.
That means that more than 4 in 5 parents were fully satisfied. Those who weren’t can be split into two groups.
The first (larger) group often mentioned issues with their baby not liking the pillow and the second group is parents for who the pillow simply didn’t work.
If you end up buying this pillow and being the “fifth parent,” it’s important to know that the company offers unconditional refunds and is very efficient about it.
I know it because I tested their customer service – I got a response with 3 hours.
That’s as good as it gets.
2 – Babymoov Lovenest Baby Head Support (memory foam)
Babymoov Lovenest Baby Head Support is advertised as “the World’s First Pediatrician Designed Pillow to Prevent Infant Flat Head.”
The market of products aimed at the flat head syndrome. In those terms, it’s fair to say that what we’re looking at here is an industry veteran. Designed by Dr. Manuel Maidenberg, this baby pillow has been around since 2005.
Still, it’s holding its own ‘against’ the new arrivals in all the quality aspects that matter.
Features at a glance:
- The shape is 3-D concave & effectively reduces pressure
- Made of memory foam – more ‘aggressive in correcting existing flat head syndrome
- The fabric is breathable and moisture-wicking
- The memory foam is unique, slow rebound
- Size (inches) and weight (ounces): 10 x 10 x 1.5, 3.5
Main benefits
If you know your baby gear, you can tell that a pediatrician played a role in the design – the design is what I call “safety-first.”
Behind the shape
The shape is very different from what we saw in the WelLifes pillow. There’s a concave center that looks restricting in terms of sleep positions, but it’s not.
The concavity is just right to allow sleep in different positions. To me, that’s not a big deal because your baby should sleep on their back as much as possible for the first 6 months anyway.
The cocoon-like holding effect of the pillow comforts the baby. It also promotes the development and proper shaping of the skull and head of the baby.
It helps prevent flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly) by redistributing the pressure across the head.
Pros
- Portable and easy to carry.
- Easy to use.
- Effective for the flat head syndrome.
- Durable and comfortable to use.
- Pediatrician-designed
Cons
- Issues with the size.
- It’s not very easy to wash
What I love about it
The Babymoov pillow is an excellent pediatrician-designed baby pillow for newborn and infant stages. It’s made of soft and luxurious cotton fabric, which ensures comfort and safety along with style.
It is suitable for a baby from birth to 4 months old and can be placed onto a bouncer, swing, and stroller.
3 – Ashtonbee Baby Head Shaping Pillow
If you’re worried about your baby getting flat head syndrome, Ashtonbee is one of the brands to look out for.
These pillows are made with hypoallergenic high-quality material, which gives your baby perfect softness and comfort. It’s designed and made using breathable material to make the airflow easy on the neck, thus providing better sleep.
Features at a glance:
- The memory foam is bacteria-resistant and hypoallergenic
- Age limit – 0-6 months
- Maintenance is handwash and air-dry only
- Versatile – can be used in car seats, swings, bouncers, etc.
- Size (inches) and weight (ounces): 8.7 × 8.3 x 1.18, 7
Pros
- Resistant to bacteria
- Breathable
- 100% organic cotton
- Stress-free cleaning
Cons
- Not washable in a machine: Will harden after washing in the machine
- Has a strong odor that takes a few days to go
What I like about it
I love the positioning control, the increased airflow to the neck area, and the head-spine alignment.
Finally, it costs a peg less than the main competitors.
4 – BeboBeba Newborn Baby Head Shaping Pillow
This head shaping pillow is made of pure memory foam cotton. This top-notch quality donut pillow evenly distributes the pressure on the head, spine, and neck, thus allowing your baby to sleep comfortably.
Foam and fabrics
The foam pad present in this head positioning pillow is soft and much comfortable. The material used in this baby pillow is antibacterial, anti-fungal, and breathable that promises a lot of safety to your child.
This scientifically designed donut pillow provides the best and comfortable contact between the baby’s head and the pillow.
It also allows your baby’s head to adjust anywhere on the pillow easily.
The foam is incredibly soft and comfortable, and it is available in a variety of colors. You can sleep your baby flat or on either side(once it gets a little older, of course).
You should be able to use this pillow for your child from 0-12 months of age.
Pros
- Machine washable
- Made from pure cotton
Cons
- Shrinking possible
5 – AtoBaby Head Support & Flat Head Syndrome Prevention baby pillow
If you’re looking for a bit of style and pizzaz in your baby gear, you’ll love this Atobaby pillow. Three interesting pastel colors and two unique shapes (heart and bear) give it an edge over the competition in terms of design, at least looks-wise.
In terms of doing what we’re interested in today, preventing and correcting flat head syndrome, the satisfaction % of 82 and thousands of satisfied customers bear witness to the fact that it simply works.
Features at a glance:
- Memory foam fill
- Organic cotton finish
- Meshy, breathable construction
- Versatile – can be used in car seats, swings, bouncers, etc.
- Size (inches): 9.88 x 8.9 x 1.38
Pros
- Well-crafted shape, solid neck support
- Interesting design
- One-piece construction – no worry about it coming off
- Soft finish
Cons
- The concavity is on the smaller side
What I like about it
The one thing that stands out about this baby pillow is the design, meaning the shape and the colors. Style is probably not your main concern when looking for a pillow with a specific purpose like this.
But, there’s always the question that my wife likes to ask “why not get something nice if it does the same job?”
And I gotta give it to her, she’s right – why not indeed.
6 – Dodo baby pillow for flat head prevention in newborns
This professionally designed baby pillow is one of the best solutions to prevent plagiocephaly. In terms of design and approach to correcting flat head.
It’s made to distribute pressure evenly over the skull while the newborns lie on their backs, which helps the baby develop the proper skull shape and maintain a perfect spine alignment.
Features at a glance:
- The fill is high-end memory foam
- The finish is soft PU
- Moisture-wicking fabric cover and breathable filling
- Use: 0-12 months
- Included pacify holder
- Size (inches) and weight (ounces): 9.4 x 7.8 x 1.18, 7.2
Unique foam
The Dodo head shaping pillow is made from what the company calls “slow-rebounding” memory foam, that’s at the sweet spot between comfort and therapeutic benefits.
Apart from prevention, it can be used in some of the most extreme flat head syndrome cases. In these advanced stages, it’s been proven to re-shape the baby’s head within 12 months.
Premium materials
Their pillows are made with premium quality hypoallergenic material with air holes so your baby can breathe.
They’re versatile (can be used in various places like a crib, stroller, car seat, etc.). Dodo products are delivered in a beautiful box, and they make a perfect baby shower gift for your loved ones, especially if they need a good baby pillow to prevent flat head.
Pros
- High-quality, viscoelastic foam (very breathable)
- The finish is hypoallergenic, organic cotton
- Versatile use
- Luxurious packaging – makes for a great gift
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- No color choices
- Some parents felt the sizing was off
What I like about it
The Dodo pillow is probably the best flat head pillow in value-for-money terms. It’s fairly close to the very best pillows and costs less.
Frequently Asked Questions
In the following section, I’ll go over some of the most commonly asked questions about flat head syndrome and the choice of a baby head shaping pillow. I answered some of the questions on my own and, for some of them, I had to consult the baby experts that have worked with Wumblers over the years.
Which is the best material for a baby pillow?
We have to pay attention to the pillow’s material on which the baby will lay their little head.
Although 100% organic cotton is the best filler, a more popular filler is the 100% visco-elastic memory foam. The same material is used in pregnancy pillows and most other adult pillows.
Do pillows help correct the skull shape of a flat baby head?
Yes, these pillows can help with flat spots on your baby’s head since they are specifically designed to prevent or correct plagiocephaly.
Although it only requires a little research to check for the best baby pillow that offers immense comfort and resolves the problem of flat-headedness, we have provided that research for you on this page.
Does a baby’s flat head correct itself?
A baby’s flat head can usually correct and adjust itself within about six weeks.
However, if you notice that your baby’s head is still flat or has a flat spot on her skull even after six weeks of age, then it’s probably a case of positional plagiocephaly.
You can help prevent the flat spots on your baby’s skull by purchasing a pediatrician-designed (or pediatrician-approved) foam baby pillow that provides proper head support and neck support.
Premature babies are especially prone to torticollis, characterized by a tilted head or difficulty turning her neck. You can often correct it with position changes and stretching exercises.
How do I fix my baby’s flat head?
Try to adjust the correct position of your baby’s head while he is sleeping on his back.
A few additional tips might be:
Alternate crib positions. Consider how you lay your baby down in the crib.
Hold your baby more often.
Practice tummy time.
How can I help prevent my baby developing a flat head?
Just change your baby’s posture frequently. Put her face down a few times while they’re is awake to encourage motor development.
In addition to preventing the head from becoming deformed, tummy time allows the babies to strengthen their back and neck muscles as they try to lift their heads and turn them from one side to the other.
While the baby is sleeping, you should take extra care of your baby’s position and for how long. If positional adjustments don’t work to correct flat areas on your baby’s head, the use of a plagiocephaly head pillow will probably do the trick for you.
Does flat head affect mental health?
Not typically, but it can do so if not corrected. In the first months, the bones that form the skull are soft and are separated from each other to allow the brain to grow.
A child’s skull bones begin to harden and fuse around the age of 2 years. Therefore the skull can change its shape during that period.
The flat head syndrome can be prevented by using specialized pillows, which stabilize the baby’s head and help with pressure distribution. Nevertheless, you should take care to encourage lots of developmental playtime on your child’s tummy, so the shape of the skull has the best chance of turning out to be perfect.
Can you prevent flat head syndrome?
There are times when this malformation can affect the alignment of the ears, eyes, or jaw.
Thus, it may be necessary to purchase a baby head shaping pillow for your child before the bones of the skull begin to harden and fuse.
Also, this syndrome can sometimes cause a developmental delay.
If the head shape is not corrected promptly, children who suffer from this disorder are ten times more likely to experience developmental delays than children who do not have this condition.
How do I cure my baby’s flat head?
Put toys on the crib side rails to encourage your baby to change their position.
Lay your baby alternately at the head and foot of the crib so different things will catch their attention.
Raise the mattress slightly by placing a rolled-up towel or sheet underneath to force the head to rest on the non-flattened side.
Let your baby rest in your arms so you can manage their head position.
What is Brachycephaly in babies?
Brachycephaly is a form of the flat head syndrome. It is a cranial deformity that can occur during the first few months after the baby’s birth, and it results in a short, broad, and flattened head (in the back).
It can occur if the baby is always sleeping on their back.
It’s considered that a baby has Brachycephaly when the width (ear to ear) of the skull is at least equal to 80% of the length (in front of the neck).
This condition can be treated and often corrected using repositioning techniques, extra tummy time throughout the day, or a pillow for flatheads.
If the condition is severe or other methods don’t correct the shape of your baby’s head, your pediatrician may recommend using a corrective Brachycephaly helmet.
Do flat spots on babies’ heads go away?
Like adults, infants prefer to sleep with their heads in a particular position, and, just like adults, everyone is different.
Until they can easily move it on their own, repositioning your infant’s head will help with flat head prevention.
Repositioning should be used as the initial treatment until their muscles have developed enough to have sufficient head support.
As a rule, flat areas on your baby’s head will typically resolve when a child begins sitting up unaided.
Can newborns use pillows?
Infants, in general, do not require pillows to sleep. If you want, you can use a pillow on either side of your baby for safety reasons – to make sure that they are positioned in one place and can’t roll.
Unless you are using a baby pillow for flat head correction, at your pediatrician’s recommendation, 12 months old or the age of not using a crib is the recommended time to start using a pillow for your child.
Here’s another informative video regarding flat head syndrome:
Final Verdict
We hope that we have helped you narrow your search and make your final decision for the best baby pillow.
Considering the features, efficacy, and comfort level of a baby head shaping pillow, you can find the best pillows for flat head support that meet your child’s needs.
Make sure that you consult your pediatrician before using a baby head shaping pillow, or any baby pillow, to help prevent flat areas on your newborn’s head.
The safety and comfort of the infant are the primary concerns for a parent when using a pillow for flat head conditions.
So, make sure that the pillow is designed to work well in a bassinet and crib as well so that your baby can remain safe while sleeping comfortably.
Paulo is a passionate dad who founded Wumblers to share his parenting journey with other new parents. He graduated from Concordia University and worked as a test engineer for over a decade. Paulo loves dad jokes and craft beer.
Learn more about Paulo and Wumblers here.