Plagiocephaly is a term to describe a flat spot on a baby’s head. Although it can be worrying to see, it is a very common condition, and most of the time it’s completely benign. A flat spot on the back or side of the head can cause compensation through the rest of the skull, but as babies’ heads are so soft and quick to grow, this can resolve quickly.
Causes and Effects of Plagiocephaly
Flat spots are closely linked to torticollis. If tightness in the neck encourages a young baby to keep their head turned one way, they will spend the majority of their time with pressure in one part of their head. This is especially true before they are able to sit or spend much time in tummy time.
There are other reasons a baby may favour one side:
- A seat or swing where surroundings mean their attention is easier grabbed to one side
- A mattress or play mat that is not completely level
- Feeding more on one side, maybe due to parent’s unconscious preference
If you think that your own tensions or asymmetries may be affecting your baby, we can help.
Red Flags: Craniosynostosis
When plagiocephaly is not caused by pressure, it may be down to an anomaly in the fusion of bones. Craniosynostosis is a condition where some of the joints in baby’s skull begin to mature too early. Best results come from early diagnosis, but the first signs may be that your baby is developing an unusual or asymmetric head shape. Your osteopath will be screening for this, but there are some flags you can look for yourself. If your baby’s “soft spot” on the top of their head fuses before a year old, this needs further investigation. You may like to discuss this at a routine GP or health visitor appointment, or you can contact the clinic.
Managing Plagiocephaly
Helmets are not routinely offered by the NHS. Guidelines recognise that helmets are expensive, and may be distressing to the baby. The evidence for their efficacy is also relatively weak. There is also a shift away from mattresses and other devices designed to redistribute the pressure. Safe sleep guidelines warn against adding anything to the cot beyond a well fitting mattress and sheet before your child is a year old. The mattress should be completely flat, as an incline can encourage baby to move into a position that may impinge on their airway.
Although the softness of the bones and joints in the skull are part of the problem in developing plagiocephaly, they are also quick to respond to counter pressure. Your paediatric osteopath can work gently on your baby’s head with the intention of easing their symptoms. If there are other musculoskeletal factors at play in the development of the condition, we will look to address these too.
Your osteopath can also advise ways to help support your baby’s improvement. Even very young babies can benefit from tummy time and assisted sitting. At your appointment you can expect more tailored advice for your child.
