Plagiocephaly
What causesplagiocephaly and brachycephaly?
The skull consists of plates of bone that strengthen and join together as a child gets older.
A young baby'sskull is still relatively soft and can change shape if there's constant pressure ona particularpart of their head.
Reasons why this may happen include:
- sleeping on their back the back or side of a baby's head can become flattened as a result of always sleeping on their back, but it's important they do this to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- problems in the womb pressure can be placed on a baby's head before it's born ifthings are a bit squashed in the womb or there's a lack ofamniotic fluid to cushion the baby
- being born prematurely premature babies are more likely to develop a flattened head because their skull is softer when they're born and they may prefer to rest their head on one side at first becausethey're not yet able to move their head themselves
- neck muscle tightness this can prevent a baby turning their head a particular way,meaning one side of their head is placed under morepressure
Occasionally, aflattened head can be caused by the plates ofthe skull joining together too early. This is known as craniosynostosis .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about why some babies develop a slightly flattened head, what can be done about it, and how long it will take to improve.
What causesplagiocephaly and brachycephaly?
The skull consists of plates of bone that strengthen and join together as a child gets older. A young baby'sskull is still relatively soft and can change shape if there's constant pressure ona partic
When to get medical advice
Speakto your health visitor or GP if you're concerned about the shape of your baby's head or think they may have problems turning their head. Theycan examine your baby's head and suggest things you ca
What you can do
The shape of your baby's head should improve naturally over time as their skull develops and they start moving their head, rolling around, and crawling. Simple measures to take pressure off the flatt
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