Plagiocephaly (also commonly called flat head syndrome) develops when an infant’s skull is flattened, due to repeated pressure on one part of the head. “Positional” plagiocephaly is the most common form and is caused by sleep position after birth. “Congenital” plagiocephaly is caused by in-uterine crowding/constraint – baby is typically born with skull asymmetries.
Plagiocephaly causes asymmetries not only on the skull (back of head AND forehead), but a lot of times you will notice a shift in the ears. More severe plagiocephaly can cause facial abnormalities including uneven cheekbones, eye sockets, and lower jaw. Plagiocephaly is a more general term (asymmetric head shape) but it can also be called Brachycephaly – wide and flat across the back or Scaphocephaly – long and narrow head shape.
Almost 50% of babies show some sign of flattening and this has increased 300% since the Back to Sleep campaign. Therefore, it is VERY COMMON if your little one shows skull flattening.
Baby Begin is dedicated to the education and conservative treatment of plagiocephaly. We have treated over 5000 babies around the world and we aren’t done yet! We are in this fight together to end flat head syndrome once and for all!