I think there is nothing cuter than a baby in a helmet. But if we can prevent the need for one, we probably should go that route . . .

What is Plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, occurs from baby’s positioning in utero or positioning after birth. It is often called positional plagiocephaly. And is caused when there is repeated pressure on one spot of the skull. It is common and also very treatable.

Because newborn babies have a malleable skull, meaning they have soft spots and bones that are not completely fused yet, the skull can be formed into shapes other than round fairly easily.

The purpose of the malleable skull is to allow for growth. Your baby’s brain will double in weight in one year due to new synapses between neurons if they get plenty of stimulation. The un-fused skull allows for this growth but also a misshapen head when too much pressure is on one specific area.

The best way to assess the shape of your baby’s head is to look at it from the top.  One reason for the malleable skull is to allow the baby through the birth canal. Don’t be alarmed if your baby’s head is the shape of a cone when they are born vaginally. It is not plagiocephaly and is instead due to the pressure of the birth canal. This will typically resolve within a few days or weeks at the most. Fortunately, plagiocephaly does not affect the child’s mental development, as the brain is very protected.

Babies with plagiocephaly may have a secondary condition called torticollis. This is a tightness of one side of your baby’s neck muscles. The position in utero often causes this. You can identify this by noting how your baby turns his head. Does he always look in one direction? Does it seem like his neck is stiff and uncomfortable if you try to turn his head the other way? This contributes largely to plagiocephaly. If you suspect this, you should let your baby’s healthcare provider know right away because he may require occupational therapy or physical therapy to release those tight muscles and work on positioning.

Factors that Increase Flat Head Syndrome

Premature babies are at higher risk for plagiocephaly because they often spend extended periods in one position in an incubator in the NICU.

In 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics came out with the recommendation that all babies sleep on their backs in the “Back to Sleep Campaign” to decrease the chance of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). While the incidence of SIDS decreased, the incidence of positional plagiocephaly dramatically increased.

Treatment for Plagiocephaly

Let’s talk about treatment first, and then I will talk about what parents can do to prevent plagiocephaly.

Once your child can sit and stand, the prolonged pressure on his head is mostly eliminated. The head will become more round naturally, and their hair will cover any remaining flat spots.

For pre-term babies and very young babies, a gel pillow is utilized to decrease the pressure on the skull. Another option is the Tortle, which is a hat that prevents the baby from turning his head so that pressure is not allowed on the flattened part of the skull. If changing the baby’s positioning and use of a gel pillow or Tortle is not effective, and your baby’s child care provider diagnoses your baby with plagiocephaly, they may refer your baby to a pediatric neurosurgeon.

The pediatric neurosurgeon will thoroughly evaluate your child, take specific measurements, and possibly refer your baby to an orthotist. The orthotist will probably make a mold of your child’s head. From this, a helmet customized to your baby’s head is fabricated and specifically designed to achieve symmetry. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, helmets are most effective between three and six months of age. However, correction is still possible for up to 18 months. It might just be a longer process. It will be recommended that your baby wear the helmet at all times, removing it only for baths.

Prevention of Flat Head Syndrome:

1. Tummy Time

Allow your baby lots of supervised tummy time from the day she is born. We recommend 5 minutes several times per day as newborns and up to 20 minutes a few times per day for three-month-old babies.

2. Babywearing

Carry your baby in vertical baby carriers and slings. This relieves pressure from your baby’s head and has the added benefit of keeping your baby close to you to help with bonding, learning new language, and processing the world from the vertical position, building balance and equilibrium.

3. Upright positioning

Hold your baby upright on your shoulder whenever possible.

4. Change it up

Move baby’s mobile from one side of the crib to the other side, so your baby is gazing up at it from alternate directions, changing the position of your baby’s head.

When holding your baby and feeding your baby, try to change position from the right side to the left side so the pressure on his head is symmetrical. This is also great for your baby’s developing vision.

Re-arrange your baby’s room or the position of her crib or bassinet so she looks in a different direction. Babies typically look toward the light source or the door, anticipating you coming in.

5. Avoid containers 

Try to eliminate time spent in baby carriers, car seats, and bouncy seats. Hold your baby or use a baby carrier whenever possible. Try to leave the car seat in the car.

Remember, plagiocephaly is very common and very treatable, but it is important to get intervention quickly. Please don’t wait and hope that it resolves on its own.