Alternate positions
Switch arms during feeds and change the side from which you approach your baby.
Plagiocephaly
A guide for families · StarlitBaby
Worried about plagiocephaly?
Learn how to spot head asymmetries, how to help prevent them and when to see a professional.
Read the guideEducational information · A professional assessment is always recommended
First months
What is a head asymmetry?
A baby’s skull is flexible during the first months. Sustained pressure on the same area can temporarily change its shape. Positional plagiocephaly causes asymmetric flattening; brachycephaly causes more even flattening at the back of the head.
Noticing it early means you can talk to your paediatrician and get advice tailored to your baby.
Learning to observe
Three different shapes
This visual reference is for guidance only. Only a healthcare professional can properly assess your baby’s head shape and rule out other causes.
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Symmetrical shapePositional plagiocephalyBrachycephaly
Important: a photo or a check at home does not replace a paediatric assessment. Seek advice if you notice persistent flattening, misaligned ears, a strong preference for one side or difficulty turning the neck.
Practical prevention
What you can do at home
Supervised movement
Offer short periods of tummy time while your baby is awake, increasing them gradually as tolerated.
Watch their mobility
Seek advice if your baby always looks to the same side or finds it hard to turn their neck comfortably.
How and when to use it
Four moments with the Bear Pillow
Visual guidance for including it in short routines, always with your baby awake and under direct supervision.
Centre the head
Gently rest the back of the head on the central area, with the neck in a natural position and without forcing.
During care routines
It can be used during awake, supervised moments, such as changing clothes or nappies, or a gentle massage.
Calm interaction
Use it on a firm, stable surface while you stay with your baby and encourage them to look to both sides.
During walks
Only while your baby is awake, under direct supervision and always following the carrycot instructions.
Supervised use: these scenes are for guidance only. Follow the individual advice of your paediatrician or paediatric physiotherapist and remove the pillow before your baby falls asleep.
Complementary positioning support
The role of the Bear Pillow
Designed to support positioning advice during the first months, the Bear Pillow can be included in supervised moments of the daily routine, following the recommendations of the professional who assesses your baby.
It does not diagnose, treat or cure. Its role is to complement — never replace — the paediatric assessment or the manual therapy of a paediatric physiotherapist.
Discover the Bear Pillow
Ergonomics certified by IGR
Assessed according to international standards
The Starlit Baby Bear Pillow passed the usability and ergonomics assessment carried out by the German Institute for Health and Ergonomics (IGR).
The tests were based on the DIN EN ISO 26800 and EN ISO 15537 standards and analysed how well the product suits the physical characteristics of the people assessed.
An especially soft little head
Premature babies may be more vulnerable to positional deformities due to bone immaturity and long periods spent in certain positions. Early professional follow-up is especially important.
Safety comes first
For sleep: always on their back, on a firm, flat surface free of pillows or soft objects, following your paediatrician’s advice.
Your questions answered
FAQ
How can I check the shape of the head?
With the hair damp, look at the head from above and check the outline, whether the ears are level and whether your baby turns to both sides.
When should I seek advice?
If you notice persistent flattening, a strong preference for one side, misaligned ears, a head tilt or difficulty moving the neck.
Does the Bear Pillow replace physiotherapy?
No. It is a complementary positioning support and should be used within the advice given by healthcare professionals.
Is the IGR certification a medical certification?
No. It certifies the usability and ergonomics of the product according to the standards stated on the certificate; it is not a clinical validation of treatment or cure.
You don’t have to figure it out alone
Observe, ask and act early
If anything worries you, share what you have noticed with your paediatrician or paediatric physiotherapist.
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