Positional plagiocephaly

Flat head syndrome means that a baby's head is flat in the back or on one side. Most often, it's from lying on the back or lying with the head to one side for long periods of time. Sometimes a baby's forehead, cheek, or ear may get pushed forward a bit on one side. The condition is also called positional plagiocephaly.

Flat head syndrome doesn't hurt your baby. And in most children it goes away on its own when the child can sit and stand. If some flattening remains, it's usually minor. Most of the time it's covered by hair as your child grows.

When a baby has flat head syndrome, their head is flat in the back or on one side.

Doctors can diagnose flat head syndrome by looking at the shape of a baby's head. The doctor will check to make sure that your baby doesn't have some other condition that affects the shape of the head.

Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to treat flat head syndrome. This is especially true if it's caused by problems with your baby's neck muscles.

Talk with your doctor about how to position your baby so that you don't raise your baby's risk of SIDS. Don't use sleep positioners or head-shaping pillows. Until your baby's first birthday, always place your baby on their back to sleep, even if your baby has a flattened head. Just offer plenty of tummy time and cuddle time. And change your baby's head position when your baby lies down.

If your baby's head shape does not get better by around 6 months, let your doctor know.

If the flattened head is severe or other treatments haven't worked, your doctor may have you try a custom helmet. The helmet can help correct the shape of your baby's head. Surgery usually isn't done, except in rare cases.

There are ways to help your baby's head become rounder. Try moving the crib to a new place. You can also change the direction your baby lies in the crib. These help your baby look a different direction. Do not use head-shaping pillows. They can be unsafe for your baby.