Flat heads / Plagiocephaly

Parent s will notice at birth or soon after if their baby has a flattening of the head.  This can be due to positioning such as extended time spent in a neonatal unit, the birth process, position in the womb and often the infant's preferred sleeping position. It can also be caused by a condition called Torticollis (shortened muscle in one side of the neck causes the head to tilt or turn to one side).

A symmetry normally settles in the first few weeks after birth. However, because the baby’s skull is still soft and malleable moulded by external forces can result in any existing flattening not necessarily disappear on its own.

 

The parents often become worried and seek their GPs advice.