Flat Head Syndrome in Babies: Causes, Treatments & Expert Advice
Flat Head Syndrome in Babies: Causes, Treatments & Expert Advice
There鈥檚 never a dull moment during the first year of parenthood. One minute you鈥檙e celebrating a joyous milestone; the next, you鈥檙e in the doctor鈥檚 office learning about flat head syndrome. Although the name (medically known as deformational plagiocephaly) sounds alarming, this condition is quite common and treatable with simple at-home strategies.
鈥淔lat head syndrome has been commonly sighted in 20-30% of infants," says Erin Anstadt, MD, a pediatric plastic surgeon at 麻豆学生精品版. 鈥淭reatment aims to correct the head shape and is largely for aesthetics; there are no known neurological implications.鈥
Any medical diagnosis during a baby's development can be overwhelming, which is why Anstadt and her colleagues make sure to support families every step of the way.
鈥淥n the front lines, it鈥檚 a privilege to be part of such an integrated model of care for these families,鈥 says Anstadt, also an assistant professor of plastic surgery at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. 鈥淲hether we鈥檙e treating something as common as flat head syndrome or managing more complex conditions, we show up together鈥攚ith expertise, empathy, and a shared commitment to doing what鈥檚 best for each individual patient."
What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?
A baby's skull is vulnerable to external pressure, which can cause the head to flatten while lying on their backs or leaning against a headrest. Babies with limited ability to move their neck or reposition their head may be more at risk. Mild cases can resolve on their own, yet persistent flattening warrants a treatment plan.
鈥淧hysical signs of flat head syndrome range from subtle to severe,鈥 Anstadt explains. 鈥淪ome babies can have slight flattening on one side of the head, while others could have noticeable facial asymmetry. Sometimes it can be hard to detect, but your pediatrician can be very helpful in recognizing signs.鈥
What Are the Treatment Options?鈥
Treatment for flat head syndrome is often simple and can be done at home. The key is consistent repositioning throughout the day. Some common techniques include:
- Schedule supervised tummy time to relieve pressure and increase head movement while at play. Remember that tummy time is for waking hours only; be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines.
- Alternate the baby's sleeping position or move their toys and mobile around to change their head movements.
- Limit time in car seats and swings, and frequently alternate seating arrangements during feeding.
- Routinely change their diaper-changing positions to avoid putting pressure on one part of the head.
鈥淭his condition is usually discovered between two and four months, and there are many non-surgical ways to manage it,鈥 Anstadt says. 鈥淚t's best to address this during your baby's first year of life, when their head is significantly growing.鈥
What if Repositioning Doesn鈥檛 Help?
If you're not seeing any improvement, or if the flattening gets worse, speak with your pediatrician about further treatment. This may include physical therapy or a custom-molded helmet that gently reshapes the head over time. However, is typically reserved for babies four months and older, as younger infants lack the neck strength needed to safely support a helmet.
Your pediatrician may also recommend further testing for other conditions related to a flattened head, such as craniosynostosis. This rare condition causes the skull to put pressure on the brain. It affects about one in 2,000-2,500 births a year.
No matter the diagnosis, Anstadt assures families will receive the highest level of care and expertise at 麻豆学生精品版鈥檚 Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center.
鈥淲e have a robust research program and actively participate in a multicenter consortium dedicated to studying outcomes and care practices related to craniofacial disorders,鈥 Anstadt says. 鈥淲e make a concerted effort to stay current with the latest medical techniques and innovations in the field.鈥
