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View our privacy policyPositional plagiocephaly is a common head shape difference in babies that causes flattening of the skull. Some reports suggest it affects around half of all babies under one year old.
Plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome, is when a baby’s head is flatter on either the front, back or side. Continued pressure on a baby’s skull can cause the head shape to change as the skull plates are still relatively soft.
Until a baby is about one year old, the bones that make up their skull are mouldable and flexible, which means the head can change shape easily.
There are three common head shape patterns often grouped under positional plagiocephaly. Some babies may have features of more than one pattern.
These are the most common types:
This is the most common form, making one side or spot on your baby’s head appear flat.
Signs to look out for:
Brachycephaly is when a baby’s head appears wider and shorter than expected.
Symptoms include:
Scaphocephaly is when a baby’s head shape looks unusually long and narrow, sometimes described as “boat-shaped” or similar to a rugby ball.
Signs to look out for:
This head shape can be similar to sagittal craniosynostosis, which is a separate medical condition. If you are concerned, speak with your GP, paediatrician or another appropriate medical professional.
Plagiocephaly is usually caused by pressure on part of the skull. This can happen before birth, but it is more common after birth. Premature babies are more likely to develop a flat head shape because their skull bones are softer and they may spend longer lying down.
Common causes include:
The Back to Sleep campaign raises awareness about the importance of placing babies on their backs when sleeping to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), or cot death. Since its launch, the campaign has significantly lowered the number of these deaths. However, it’s also been linked to an increase in babies developing flat head spots.
For your baby’s safety, always place them on their back to sleep, even if they have plagiocephaly.
If your baby has a flat head shape, the first step is often repositioning. Up to around four to five months of age, repositioning and tummy time may help head shape improve naturally.
Try to make sure your baby is not always resting on the same area of their head. Encourage them to turn their head in different directions when lying down and give them plenty of tummy time while they are awake.
If you are still concerned about your baby’s head shape after trying these techniques, cranial remoulding therapy may be an orthotic treatment option for some babies.
Learn more about our plagiocephaly treatment.
Backed by clinical research, LOCband Lite is a non-invasive cranial remoulding helmet designed to support a more balanced head shape over time. Results vary depending on age, severity and daily wear time.
“From the very start, everyone at the London Orthotic Consultancy was professional and friendly. Every step of the way was well-explained and the fitting was quick. It only took Magnus one day to get used to the band, and after that, he wasn’t bothered by it at all. And, most importantly, it worked!”
Maria, Magnus’s mother – Plagiocephaly patient
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.
You can book a range of assessment and review appointments online, depending on the service and location that you require. If a specific appointment type is unavailable online, please contact LOC directly on [email protected] or you can call us. Unfortunately we are unable to offer fittings online at the moment.
Yes, if your previous orthotist offers online booking and has availability, you can choose to book with them again.
Please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still haven’t received a confirmation within 10 minutes, contact LOC Admin to confirm your booking via [email protected]
Yes. You can book on behalf of someone else. Please ensure the registration form includes the details of the person attending the appointment.
No account is required. Our booking process allows you to book as a guest. However, you will be asked to enter key details and complete required forms.
Most orthotic treatments are available online. If the treatment you’re looking for is not listed, please contact us directly and LOC Admin will assist you.
