Baby’s Head Shape

You may have noticed that your baby’s head shape is  not symmetrical, or there is a flat spot. A mis-shapen head is a common problem and it’s medically known as deformational plagiocephaly. There are a few different names for the changes in head shape, just specific names which technically describe which parts are angled. These terms include: Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly and Scaphocephaly. This does not affect brain development, but if left untreated it may change your baby’s physical appearance now, and in the long term.

The baby may commonly have an unusual head shape due to their position in the uterus. This often resolves within about 6 weeks after birth due to the thin and flexible nature of a baby’s bones.Many children with positional plagiocephaly do not require any treatment as it naturally resolves in the 6 week time period as they grow. If treatment is necessary it is important to see a specialist ( a plastic surgeon) between 4-6 months of age, as well as an orthotist and paediatric physiotherapist.

The soft and flexible nature of a baby’s head  can also cause flattening of the head once a baby is born if they lie with their head in the same position for a long time. If you follow the SIDS guidelines of sleeping your baby on their back, it is also recommended that you also alternate the position of their head. So you could put them down on their back with their face looking straight up, and also alternate turning the head to the right side and the left side.

Some babies can only turn their head to one side because of a muscle condition called Torticollis. When their head is stuck only turning to one side, they commonly develop  positional plagiocephaly and this is an indicator of needing physiotherapy to treat them for a Torticollis. The care of a paediatric physiotherapist has been shown to provide appropriate treatment and effective outcomes for torticollis. Please look at the other article on our website for further detailed information on your baby’s head being turned only to one side.

Our paediatric physiotherapists can assist you with advice and positioning techniques for the plagiocephaly to help relieve the pressure on the head which is causing flattening, and more detailed and specific treatment if your baby has a Torticollis, as positioning alone does not resolve this problem, nor massage or “manipulation”  of the spine.

An interesting website on the different possible head shapes with great pictures is http://www.cranialtech.com

If your baby has any of theses possible changes in head shape, it would be advisable to book an assessment with us to get things moving in the right direction. Helmets are not always needed, but we can advise you on the best individual treatment plan for your baby.