Cranial Technologies

Concerned About Your Baby's Head Shape?

For over 35 years, we have helped parents understand the treatment options for babies with head shape conditions.

Are flat spots common?

Yes, flat spots are normal. Today, it's estimated that nearly 1 in 2 babies have some degree of plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome). And 1 in 4 babies have a moderate to severe form of the condition.

What causes flat spots?

Prolonged pressure to the back of the head can result in flat spots. This is typically from things like back sleeping and restrictive devices. Flat spots can also be caused from natural factors like positioning in the womb or torticollis.

Baby on his stomach during tummy time

Can flat spots be treated?

Fortunately, flat head syndrome can be treated. Depending on the baby's age and the severity of the condition, experts may recommend conservative treatment measures or helmet therapy.

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What does plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) look like?

What does plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) look like?

Plagiocephaly head shapes can range from mild to severe and even occur in combination with one another. And since parents spend so much time with their baby, recognizing an abnormal head shape can be difficult. Some common characteristics include but are not limited to:

  • Back of the head is flat on one or both sides

  • Asymmetry in the facial features (i.e. ears are misaligned)

  • Disproportionate facial features (i.e. eyes appear too small for face)

  • Head is wider and/or taller than normal

Signs of Brachycephaly

  • The baby's head shape is wider than normal

  • The back of the head is flat and lacks curvature

  • Facial features lack proportion (i.e. the eyes may seem too small for the face)

Signs of Torticollis

  • An abnormal head tilt and/or turn preference to one side

  • Preference to sleep on one side of the head

  • A limited range of motion in the neck

  • A small lump can be felt on one side of the neck

When does a baby need helmet therapy?

When does a baby need helmet therapy?

No two cases of plagiocephaly are alike and there are several factors that go into the decision to treat including:

  • The severity of the head shape

  • The baby's age

  • If the head shape has shown improvement over time with conservative measures (i.e. tummy time)

The best way to know the proper course of treatment is to consult with your pediatrician and visit a clinic that specializes in plagiocephaly.

When is the best time to begin treatment?

With rapid skull development in the early months, a flat spot can form in as little as one week. The period of time is also the most effective window for treatment since this is when most of the head growth occurs.

Age Average Time to Treat
<4 months 5-7 weeks
4 months 6-9 weeks
5 months 8-10 weeks
6 months 2.5-3.5 months
>7 months 3.5-4 months

Early detection is key to treatment & prevention

baby receiving a head shape assessment at a cranial technologies clinic

Early detection is key to treatment & prevention

At a younger age, a baby's head is very soft and pliable. Beginning treatment early is the key to success:

  • Optimal treatment outcomes
  • Shorter treatment; less time in a helmet
  • Preventative techniques are more effective
Reshaping Lives

"The overall process was so efficient and accommodating...we felt our baby was in good hands! Would recommend to any and everyone!"

— V. Garvey, Parent

FAQ

What causes plagiocephaly?

At a young age, a baby's head is very soft and sensitive to external force. If there is too much prolonged pressure on one side or the entire back of the head, they can develop plagiocephaly (flat spots) as a result.

The main risk factors include:

  • Back sleeping

Note that it is still highly recommended that babies be put to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS.

  • Restrictive devices (car seats, smart sleepers, etc.)

  • Positioning in the womb

  • Multiple births (twins) due to limited space in utero

  • Torticollis

Is plagiocephaly common?

The latest studies show that nearly 1 in 2 (47%) infants today have some degree of plagiocephaly. 1 in 4 babies have a severe enough degree that experts would recommend treatment with a cranial orthotic.

Will plagiocephaly go away on its own?

Due to the increasing severity of head shapes today, research has not shown self-correction in most moderate to severe cases. An external force was present to cause the deformity, therefore an external force must also be present to correct it.

Once your baby is sitting up and moving about, the skull will continue to harden without any external force directing the head’s growth into a symmetrical shape.

For children less than 4 months old, supervised tummy time and repositioning techniques can sometimes be enough to correct an abnormal head shape.

Does plagiocephaly affect my baby's brain development?

Plagiocephaly won’t have any lasting harmful effects on your baby’s neurological development. However, if left untreated it is possible the head will remain misshapen into adulthood.

Can plagiocephaly be prevented?

Conservative, at-home measures can be effective if the baby has a mild case and when started at an earlier age, typically prior to 4 months old.

Simple at-home practices including supervised tummy time and repositioning techniques are known to prevent and improve mild cases of plagiocephaly over time. Additionally, limiting the use of convenience devices, such as car seats, infant carriers and swings, is also recommended.