Does Your Baby Have a Flat Head?

Does your baby have a flat head? Nowadays, this is becoming more and more an increasing phenomenon. When babies are first born, their heads are usually unusually shaped due to deformation from pressure through the birth canal. That's normal (don't tell my husband that -- he swears he was traumatized by our firstborn's "alien head"). But after awhile, this newborn weird baby head gets better. However, when that flat spot doesn't go away after three or four months, then there might be a problem.

The technical term for this is plagiocephaly, and the more common version is positional plagiocephaly. This more common condition has been on the rise since 1992 when the American Academy of Pediatrics started recommending babies be placed on their backs to sleep to prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Now that most parents do this, we are starting to see more babies with a noticeable "flat head."

Some think this a flat head is purely a cosmetic issue, but this not always the case. If not corrected, it could lead to misalignment of eyes, causing them to look in different directions leading to vision issues. It could also lead to one ear being higher than the other, or even worse facial asymmetry (a noticeable lop-sided face).

Treatment for positional plagiocephaly may be as simple as repositioning your baby when he sleeps. Turn his head a different way each time you put him down. Encourage lots of tummy time, and resist leaving your baby in car seats or carriers for any length of time. These baby holding devices could place pressure on the spot and make it worse. Hold your baby as often as you can.

If repositioning does not help you baby's flat spot improve, consult your doctor. He may suggest referral to an orthotist for a cranial orthotic device (baby helmet). The baby helmet (or band) will be customized to fit your baby's head. Some do plaster casts, but our baby had a scan of his head done with a simple handheld device. The images were sent to the lab where they made his helmet and then mailed it back. The baby's head will grow into the helmet, which is designed to encourage growth on the side of the head that needs it. Measurements will be taken periodically to monitor your baby's progress. Your baby may have to wear it for 3 to 6 months or more before graduating from the helmet for good.

So don't overlook that flat spot. Ask your doctor for advice if you notice any problems. There are other forms of plagiocephaly that are caused before birth and related cranial conditions that could need immediate attention. For example, a more severe form of plagiocephaly is craniosynostosis, a premature fusion of the skull. This is where your baby's skull grew together too early. Your baby needs room for his brain to grow! So don't self-diagnose; go see your doctor!