If you have noticed a flat spot on your baby’s head, you are not alone. Positional Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) is one of the most common conditions in babies under one year old. Effective treatment is available, and in most cases the results are excellent.
What is Positional Plagiocephaly?
Positional Plagiocephaly occurs when sustained pressure on one area of a baby’s soft skull causes it to flatten. Until around one year old, the skull bones are still mouldable — meaning head shape can change for better or worse. Some reports suggest it affects around half of all babies under one year old.
Types of Flat Head Syndrome
There are three common patterns, all falling under the umbrella of Positional Plagiocephaly. Some babies show features of more than one type.
- Plagiocephaly — the most common type. One side or spot at the back of the head appears flat. There may also be forehead bulging on the opposite side, slight facial asymmetry, or misaligned ears.
- Brachycephaly — the head is wider and shorter than expected, with flattening across the back. The crown may appear raised or “peaked” and the face slightly wider.
- Scaphocephaly / Dolichocephaly — the head appears long and narrow. This can occasionally resemble sagittal craniosynostosis, which is a separate medical condition. If you are at all concerned, speak with your GP or paediatrician.
