New parents are often unaware of a crucial routine for newborns that involves regularly turning the baby's head to prevent developmental issues. Newborns naturally have a head tilt due to lack of strength and muscle control, and their head may also be elongated from the birthing process. They may favor turning their head in one direction, which can lead to conditions like positional plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head) and positional torticollis (tight neck muscles). To mitigate these risks, parents should gently help their newborn turn their head in both directions during playtime, naps, and while being held or bottle-fed. Arranging the baby's environment to encourage natural head turning, such as positioning toys and cribs strategically, is also beneficial. If any flat spots develop or the baby shows a consistent preference for one side, professional advice should be sought. Additionally, tummy time is recommended to relieve pressure on the back of the head and can be introduced in various ways to suit the baby's comfort level.
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