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Flat Head Syndrome in Babies: Causes, Treatments & Expert Advice
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Flat Head Syndrome in Babies: Causes, Treatments & Expert Advice
There’s never a dull moment during the first year of parenthood. One minute you’re celebrating a joyous milestone; the next, you’re in the doctor’s office learning about flat head syndrome. Although the name (medically known as deformational plagiocephaly) sounds alarming, this condition is quite common and treatable with simple at-home strategies.
“Flat head syndrome has been commonly sighted in 20-30% of infants," says Erin Anstadt, MD, a pediatric plastic surgeon at University of Utah Health. “Treatment aims to correct the head shape and is largely for aesthetics; there are no known neurological implications.”
Any medical diagnosis during a baby's development can be overwhelming, which is why Anstadt and her colleagues make sure to support families every step of the way.
“On the front lines, it’s a privilege to be part of such an integrated model of care for these families,” says Anstadt, also an assistant professor of plastic surgery at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah. “Whether we’re treating something as common as flat head syndrome or managing more complex conditions, we show up together—with expertise, empathy, and a shared commitment to doing what’s best for each individual patient."
What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?
A baby's skull is vulnerable to external pressure, which can cause the head to flatten while lying on their backs or leaning against a headrest. Babies with limited ability to move their neck or reposition their head may be more at risk. Mild cases can resolve on their own, yet persistent flattening warrants a treatment plan.
“Physical signs of flat head syndrome range from subtle to severe,” Anstadt explains. “Some babies can have slight flattening on one side of the head, while others could have noticeable facial asymmetry. Sometimes it can be hard to detect, but your pediatrician can be very helpful in recognizing signs.”
What Are the Treatment Options?
Treatment for flat head syndrome is often simple and can be done at home. The key is consistent repositioning throughout the day. Some common techniques include:
- Schedule supervised tummy time to relieve pressure and increase head movement while at play. Remember that tummy time is for waking hours only; be sure to follow safe sleep guidelines.
- Alternate the baby's sleeping position or move their toys and mobile around to change their head movements.
- Limit time in car seats and swings, and frequently alternate seating arrangements during feeding.
- Routinely change their diaper-changing positions to avoid putting pressure on one part of the head.
“This condition is usually discovered between two and four months, and there are many non-surgical ways to manage it,” Anstadt says. “It's best to address this during your baby's first year of life, when their head is significantly growing.”
What if Repositioning Doesn’t Help?
If you're not seeing any improvement, or if the flattening gets worse, speak with your pediatrician about further treatment. This may include physical therapy or a custom-molded helmet that gently reshapes the head over time. However, helmet therapy is typically reserved for babies four months and older, as younger infants lack the neck strength needed to safely support a helmet.
Your pediatrician may also recommend further testing for other conditions related to a flattened head, such as craniosynostosis. This rare condition causes the skull to put pressure on the brain. It affects about one in 2,000-2,500 births a year.
No matter the diagnosis, Anstadt assures families will receive the highest level of care and expertise at University of Utah Health’s Pediatric Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Center.
“We have a robust research program and actively participate in a multicenter consortium dedicated to studying outcomes and care practices related to craniofacial disorders,” Anstadt says. “We make a concerted effort to stay current with the latest medical techniques and innovations in the field.”
