New Mother.co.uk - The One Stop Family Website

Deformational Plagiocephaly

Deformational Plagiocephaly commonly called ‘Flat-head syndrome’ is a condition characterised by a flattening on one side of the back of a baby’s head. It may also involve bulging of the forehead, fullness of the cheek and ear misalignment on the same side as the flattening.

Under the broad term ‘Flat-head syndrome’, there are two other head shapes: Brachycephaly and Dolichocephaly which is also sometimes known as Scaphocephaly. In the former the head is wide in relation to its length and appears flat at the back. The head may have a high “peaked” appearance and sometimes both sides of the forehead can be bulged.Dolichocephaly is when the head is narrow in relation to length (front to back).

What causes the condition?

Newborn babies often have some asymmetry of the head due to the inherent stresses and strains of the birth process. This normally settles in the first few weeks after birth. However, because a baby’s skull is still malleable it can be shaped by external forces and any existing flattening may not necessarily disappear of its own accord. Deformational Plagiocephaly can also be caused by a condition known as Torticollis.

What is Torticollis?

Tummy Time

During the day encourage your baby to spend as much time as possible on its stomach. Most babies dislike this initially as they do not have the strength to hold their head up. However it is important to persevere and gradually build up the length of time spent on their tummy. This also helps them build strength in their neck and trunk muscles to progress towards pushing up and crawling. Tummy time can be made easier for your baby by using a support under their chest enabling them to lift their head more easily. Make tummy time fun by spending time lying down with your baby on top or in front of you. Use interactive toys to entertain them.

You and Your Baby

You should also consider your baby’s head position whilst carrying, feeding or changing them. Alternate the side you do the activities, as this will encourage them to look and turn in both directions. As your baby’s strength develops you should spend some time carrying them tummy down, as this will encourage them to look up, further developing neck and trunk strength.

Travel

Modern baby travel systems are conveniently designed to click together so that there is no need to wake your baby when transporting them from the car to the house. Unfortunately this can also mean long periods of time lying on their back with their head against a hard surface. Minimise the time your baby spends in the travel system when not travelling.