How to Avoid & Treat Flat Head Syndrome | Plagiocephaly in Babies

What is Flat Head Syndrome?

Plagiocephaly or flat head syndrome is a common disorder where the baby’s head is flat due to being soft and having repeated pressure put on the same spot. This can be the result of your baby’s sleep position and resting in bassinets, car seats, strollers, carriers and swings. So, the big question is how to avoid flat head syndrome or how to treat it if your little one already has it?

My baby was born with a perfectly round head, so the doctor did not need to shape it. By three months, his head began taking on a very flat look on the back of his head. I was very concerned. After a lot of research, I found out what it was and that it was 100% treatable at his young age. I’m not sure why, but this was nothing ever mentioned to me at the hospital or pediatrician, so unfortunately, I could not be proactive. 

The good news is that flat head syndrome does not affect your baby’s brain. The bad news is that it can create a stiff neck, which will slow your baby’s early development. So, hopefully these tips will help you avoid/fix flat head syndrome. Try to prevent it before it happens, because the older your newborn gets, the more difficult some of these tips will be to try. 

Our pediatrician’s recommendation:

Tummy Time

Tummy time, tummy time, tummy time! This was my doctor’s recommendation to improve my son’s head shape. It gives time to take pressure off the back of the head. Your baby also gains neck muscles and control. Your baby can learn to push up on their arms from this position.

My son hated tummy time and would scream until he was red and crying. I felt like I was tormenting him. I tried even in small doses, but he never liked it, so it wasn’t a good option for us. No amount of toys and games would help. Once he started turning on his own…forget it! Try this a few times a day if your baby will allow it.

Change Sleep Position

The pediatrician also recommended changing the baby’s sleep position. This will take pressure off the baby’s favorite side and help keep their head shape round. 

This was also a no-no for me, because my son was already able to turn his head, so no matter what side I put him on, he would just turn his head back to the place he felt most comfortable. 

What I did:

Head-shaping Pillow

Bliss N Baby Pillow 

I was able to search and find an inexpensive pillow on amazon to help correct the flatness of his head. It is breathable and comfortable for  babies. This pillow is designed to support your baby’s neck and protect your baby’s head. I used this every night and for all his naps throughout the day and after several months, his head shape is normal again.

Sitting Him Up 

Fisher Price Deluxe Sit Me up Floor Seat 

I started using the chair at the same time to sit him up for a small periods of the day. He enjoyed this and it made him happier than the tummy time.  He also started to prefer sitting up to laying down. This sit me up chair has toys directly in front for easy access and will make sit up time more fun and interesting. The way this chair is made, it supports your baby sitting up, but does not touch their head. 

It didn’t happen overnight, so it will take time, but I saw  noticeable results from these two things within about 2 months. Then it was gradual until his head was round again, which was about 6-7 months. Your baby growing will help fix flat head syndrome as well. The older they get, they will spend less and less time sleeping and laying on their back.

I am not a doctor, so please make your own choices and/or check with your pediatrician. 

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