Flat head in newborns | What is it, causes, types, remedies

Welcome to Newborn Tips, today you will discover everything there is to know about newborn flat head: what it is, causes, types, consequences, prevention and practical solutions to promote the healthy development of your little one.

Today’s article is an essential insight for parents who want to ensure the well-being of their children, with useful and simple advice to apply in everyday life.

Table of contents

Flat Head in Babies: What is Plagiocephaly?

It is an asymmetrical deformation of the baby’s head, in which the back or side of the skull appears flattened.

Overall, this phenomenon can occur due to prolonged pressure in a certain area of the head, often due to the fact that the baby sleeps or remains in the same position for long periods.

In addition, this condition can vary in severity and can affect the aesthetic appearance of the baby’s head.

How to recognize a flat head in a newborn?

By the way, recognizing a flat head in newborns is relatively simple by carefully observing the shape of the skull. Here are the main signs to look out for:

Visible flattening: You notice that one part of the head, usually the back or one of the sides, appears flatter than the rest of the skull
Asymmetry of the face: You may notice a slight shift in the position of the eyes, ears or jaw, which may appear not to be perfectly aligned
Oval or tilted skull shape: When looking at the head from above, the shape may appear oblique or not perfectly round
Predilection for a position: If the baby tends to constantly turn his head to one side or has difficulty moving it freely in both directions, flattening may develop
Difficulty in neck movement: Often associated with muscle tension (stiff neck), which forces the baby to maintain a preferred position

If you notice one or more of these signs, it is advisable to consult your pediatrician for an evaluation and to receive advice on possible interventions or measures.

Types of plagiocephaly

Flat head in newborns can manifest itself in different forms, depending on the area of the skull affected and the causes that determine it. Here are the main types of plagiocephaly:

Positional plagiocephaly: This is the most common form.

The flattening is localized on one side of the skull, often due to the fact that the newborn always sleeps or rests on the same side.

It can cause an asymmetry of the head and face.

Brachycephaly:

In this condition, the newborn’s head flattening affects the back of the skull, which therefore takes on a wider and shorter shape than normal.

It is often caused by excessive pressure on the back of the skull, such as when the newborn spends a lot of time lying on his back.

Scaphocephaly:

In this case, the newborn’s head appears long and narrow, with lateral flattening.

It is less common and may be associated with genetic conditions or the premature fusion of some cranial sutures.

Synostotic plagiocephaly:

As for this newborn flat head syndrome, it is a rarer and more serious form, caused by the premature fusion of a cranial suture.

It requires a specialist medical intervention, often surgical, to correct the problem.

Each of these types has specific characteristics and may require different strategies for plagiocephaly treatment or prevention.

Therefore, a discussion with the pediatrician is essential for a correct diagnosis and to decide on the most suitable path.

What causes flat head in newborns?

The causes of flat head in newborns can vary, but in most cases they are linked to external factors that influence the shape of the skull during the first months of life, when the cranial bones are still soft and malleable.

In the following lines we list the main causes of plagiocephaly:

Prolonged pressure in one position:

Always placing the newborn on the same area of the head (for example, always sleeping on the back without alternating sides).

Excessive time spent in car seats, cribs or bouncers.

Congenital torticollis:

A stiffness or tension of the neck muscles (often the sternocleidomastoid muscle) can limit the movement of the head, causing the baby to always turn his head to one side.

Birth weight and prematurity:

Premature babies have softer skulls and are more prone to deformations. They also spend more time in an incubator or lying down, increasing the risk of prolonged pressure.

Restricted uterine growth:

During pregnancy, a restrictive fetal position or limited space in the uterus (such as with twin pregnancies) can lead to an irregularly shaped head at birth.

Lack of movement:

Newborns who are not encouraged to turn their head frequently or spend too much time without being picked up may develop a flattened skull.

Rare medical conditions:

In some cases, flat head in babies can be caused by early fusion of the sutures in the skull (craniosynostosis), a condition that requires specialist treatment.

As such, preventing and treating flat head in babies is often possible with simple measures, such as varying the baby’s position throughout the day and encouraging tummy time.

Consequences of Plagiocephaly

The consequences of plagiocephaly in newborns depend on the severity of the problem and how quickly it is addressed.

In most cases, positional flat head is a benign condition that does not cause long-term complications, but in some situations it can have aesthetic and functional effects.

The main consequences of a newborn flat head are explained below:

Aesthetic

Cranial asymmetry: The shape of the head may remain irregular, with visible flattening on one or more sides of the skull
Facial asymmetry: There may be a shift in the position of the eyes, ears or jaw, which is less symmetrical

Functional (rare in mild cases)

Postural problems: If associated with stiff neck or other muscle tension, it can affect the child’s motor and postural development
Difficulty in using a corrective helmet: In more severe cases, correction requires longer times and more complex medical intervention

Long-term implications (rare)

In cases of severe untreated plagiocephaly, some research suggests that there may be difficulties in adapting to glasses, protective helmets or orthodontic appliances in later life.

In cases of undiagnosed craniosynostosis, intracranial pressure problems may occur, requiring specialist intervention.

How to correct flat head in newborns?

To tell the truth, correcting flat head in newborns is possible through simple measures and, in some cases, with the help of specific treatments. Therefore, among the main strategies we find the following:

Prevention and correct positioning

Alternate positions during sleep: While respecting the recommendations for safe sleep (supine), regularly change the orientation of the baby’s head (to the right or left)
Tummy time: Place the newborn on his stomach for short periods while he is awake and under supervision. This helps strengthen the neck muscles and reduce pressure on the back of the head
Reduce time in devices: Limit prolonged use of car seats, strollers, bouncers or cribs, which can increase pressure on a specific area of the skull. Make sure you supervise your baby while sitting

Stimulation and movement

Toys and visual stimulation: Place toys, lights or people on the opposite side of where your baby tends to turn his or her head to encourage symmetrical movements
Frequent picking up: Holding your baby reduces the time he or she spends with his or her head on hard surfaces

Treatment of torticollis

If your baby has difficulty turning his or her head to one side, he or she may have congenital torticollis.

In these cases, your pediatrician may recommend stretching exercises or physical therapy to improve neck mobility.

Use of a helmet

In moderate or severe cases of positional plagiocephaly, when the above interventions are not sufficient, a corrective helmet may be used. This device helps reshape the skull, especially if started in the first months of life (between 4 and 12 months).

Anti-Plagiocephaly Pillows

Consider using special pillows designed to reduce pressure on your baby’s head.

Medical Monitoring

Regular Pediatric Visits: Your pediatrician will evaluate the shape of your baby’s skull and, if necessary, refer you to a specialist for a thorough diagnosis or targeted treatments
Report any concerns you have about your baby’s head shape
Rule out conditions such as craniosynostosis, which require medical or surgical treatment

In summary, flat head correction is most effective if addressed early, during the first months of life, when the skull bones are still very flexible. With simple measures and medical support, most babies develop a normal and symmetrical skull shape.

In conclusion, preventing flat head in babies is a crucial aspect of infant health that requires attention and care. The advice provided in this article is designed to offer useful insights and effective practices to ensure proper skull development. However, it is essential to remember that every baby is unique and may have specific needs.

Therefore, it is essential to always consult your pediatrician before taking any action regarding the health of your newborn. Only a professional can provide adequate and personalized advice, taking into account the medical history and individual characteristics of the child.

In all, the suggestions provided on Newborn Tips should in no way replace the expert opinion of a pediatrician. The health and well-being of the child are the absolute priority, and having an open dialogue with the pediatrician is the best way to ensure that your little one grows up healthy and happy. Do not hesitate to contact your doctor for any questions or concerns!

Newborn Tips, The Editorial Staff