Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly, often referred as Flat Head Syndrome, is a common problem seen in infants. It is caused by a pattern of unvaried positioning when the baby is very young, sometimes even before they are born. Another reason for a baby’s head to become flat is an association with Torticollis – or a tightness of the muscles in the neck that would limit how much they can turn their head from side to side. 

In babies younger than 4 months of age we can sometimes see the flatness resolve on its own with the parents and caretakers using repositioning techniques to redirect the pressure on the baby’s head when they are laying down.  After 4 months of age, we don’t see as much self correction as the baby tends to be more active and less cooperative with their parent’s repositioning tactics. In general plagiocephaly does not lead to any developmental concerns. If there is still a flat area on the baby’s head that concerns you as a parent, a cranial remolding helmet can be used to help redirect the growth and allow the baby’s head to round out. 

The helmets do not put pressure on the head to change the shape. The goal is for the helmet to hold the rounder corners of the baby’s head and we create space inside the helmet in the flat areas for the growth to be directed here. It is the path of least resistance and a relatively passive process. 

If you have questions about our Cranial Helmets or would like a no cost evaluation, call our office to scheudle an appointment with our Orthotist.