As parents, it’s natural to pay close attention to your baby’s growth and development, including the shape of their head. If you’ve noticed a flat spot forming on your baby’s head, you’re not alone. This condition, known as plagiocephaly, is common and, in most cases, very manageable with early support.
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly, often referred to as “flat head syndrome,” occurs when a baby develops a flattened area on one side of the back or side of the head. This can give the head an uneven or asymmetrical appearance.
It is important to note that plagiocephaly is not harmful to brain development, but it can affect head shape and, in some cases, facial symmetry if left unaddressed.
Why Does It Happen?
Babies are born with soft skulls to allow for growth and development. This also means their head shape can be influenced by external pressure.
Common causes include:
- Spending long periods lying on their back in the same position
- A preference for turning the head to one side (often linked to tight neck muscles, known as torticollis)
- Limited tummy time while awake
- Premature birth (as premature babies have softer skulls and may spend extended time in one position)
Since the introduction of safe sleeping guidelines (placing babies on their backs to sleep), rates of plagiocephaly have increased, but these guidelines remain essential for reducing the risk of SIDS.
What Should Parents Look For?
Signs of plagiocephaly may include:
- A flat spot on one side of the back of the head
- The head appearing uneven or parallelogram-shaped from above
- One ear appearing slightly forward compared to the other
- Subtle facial asymmetry (e.g., uneven cheeks or eyes)
If you’re unsure, a clinician can assess your baby’s head shape and development.
When Should You Seek Support?
Early intervention is key. The earlier plagiocephaly is identified, the easier it is to manage.
You may wish to seek support if:
- You notice a flat spot that is not improving
- Your baby consistently turns their head to one side
- There are concerns about neck movement or stiffness
- The head shape appears increasingly uneven
How is Plagiocephaly Managed?
The good news is that plagiocephaly is often treated with simple, non-invasive strategies, especially when addressed early.
1. Repositioning
Encouraging your baby to turn their head to the non-preferred side can help reduce pressure on the flattened area.
This might include:
- Alternating the direction your baby lies in the cot
- Positioning toys or engaging from different sides
- Changing feeding positions
2. Tummy Time
Supervised tummy time while your baby is awake helps:
- Strengthen neck and shoulder muscles
- Reduce time spent on the back of the head
- Support overall motor development
3. Physiotherapy
If your baby has a strong head preference or torticollis, a physiotherapist can provide targeted exercises to improve neck movement and symmetry.
4. Helmet Therapy (in some cases)
For moderate to severe cases, particularly if identified later, helmet therapy may be recommended by a specialist. This helps guide head growth into a more symmetrical shape.
Will It Improve?
In many cases, plagiocephaly improves significantly as babies:
- Spend more time sitting, crawling, and moving
- Develop stronger muscles and better head control
With early support and the right strategies, outcomes are typically very positive.
How The Daisy Clinic Can Help
At The Daisy Clinic, we take a multidisciplinary approach to supporting your child’s development. Our team can:
- Assess your baby’s head shape and development
- Identify any underlying concerns such as torticollis or motor delays
- Provide tailored strategies for repositioning and tummy time
- Work collaboratively with physiotherapists and other professionals where needed
If you have any concerns about your baby’s head shape, early guidance can make a meaningful difference.
