The incidence of infant plagiocephaly (flattened head) & torticollis (tightened neck muscles) is increasing, in part because babies are spending greater periods of time in “containers”. What’s a container? Car seats, strollers, bouncy seats, infant swings, etc… These seemingly convenient carriers and seats limit an infant’s movement and tend to place pressure on the skull by keeping it in contact with a support surface at all times. Once an infant’s head begins to flatten it becomes even more difficult for that baby to turn his head away from the flattened side, precipitating a tightening of the muscles in the neck. What’s a parent to do? Consider limiting the time your baby spends in “containers” by leaving the car seat in the car whenever possible, give your baby lots of opportunities to be on his tummy rather than his back (you can prop him up on a boppy pillow if he hates being flat on his tummy), and research the many available slings and wearable baby carriers that allow you to carry your baby safely while keeping your hands free. The extra bonding time you’ll experience while carrying your baby in your arms rather than in his car seat is just a bonus!