Head Shape Flatness
What is head shape flatness?
Head shape flatness, or skull flattening, is when part of a newborn or infant’s head becomes flat, usually caused by baby lying for too long on their back. When a baby develops head shape flatness from spending too much time in carseats, strollers, bouncers, and the like, it’s often called Container Baby Syndrome but this term just doesn’t sound nice to me so I avoid it when I can. Skull flattening can also develop in the womb if there’s not enough amniotic fluid or space (more common with multiples).
There are 3 types of head shape flatness and the only difference between them is where exactly the position of the flatness is. In plagiocephaly (most common), the flat area is on the side of the back of the skull. In brachycephaly, it’s directly on the back of the skull. And in scaphocephaly, it’s directly on the side. Any of these conditions can lead to developmental delays if the case becomes severe enough.
"File:Плагиоцефалия.jpg" by Medical advises is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Don't I just get a cute helmet for my baby to wear that helps shape their head?
Treatment for head shape flatness typically involves a little more than just a helmet. Your child’s pediatrician may just prescribe a helmet and frequent position changes with more tummy time and being held for baby. If the flatness is due to torticollis (tightness in neck muscles that discourages baby from moving their head much), then a pediatric PT is super helpful to have on your team. Physical therapists can help stretch and strengthen muscles in the right places so your child can move their head around more on their own and they will likely give you exercises to do with baby at home. Your child’s PT should also be keeping tabs on other aspects of development and addressing concerns that arise, such as difficulty with standing, crawling, walking, or sitting up.
If you notice head flatness developing in your child, please start by contacting their pediatrician/primary care provider!
"P1050262" by 150hp is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
If you’d like to know more about head shape flatness, I recommend starting with these sites:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positional-plagiocephaly.html
