By Maria Larrain MPhil BOst DPO PgC ACE (clin ed)
Addressing Plagiocephaly Early for Optimal Baby Development
Ensuring your baby’s healthy development starts with addressing plagiocephaly early and thoroughly. At Butterfield Osteopathy, many parents come to us concerned about a flat spot on their baby’s head. This condition, medically known as plagiocephaly when it’s asymmetrical, or brachycephaly when it’s symmetrical at the back, can cause concern. This guide will explain how to effectively manage these conditions.
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly, often called “flat head syndrome,” occurs when an infant’s head develops a flat area due to persistent pressure on one part of the skull. An infant’s skull consists of several movable bones separated by sutures, which allow the skull to adjust during birth and expand as the brain grows. Although many babies have irregular head shapes at birth, these usually correct themselves within a few weeks. If an abnormal shape persists or develops after six weeks, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly.
Causes of Plagiocephaly
Positional Plagiocephaly:
The most common cause is positional. If a baby consistently favours looking to one side, the pressure can flatten the back of the head.
Intrauterine Moulding:
Sometimes, flatness develops in the womb, particularly with twins, larger babies, breech presentations, or if the baby shares the womb with a uterine fibroid.
Torticollis:
This condition involves a severe preference for one side due to a muscle in the neck (sternocleidomastoid) being bruised during delivery or being congenitally short.
Craniosynostosis:
This rare condition involves the premature fusion of one of the sutures in the skull. An osteopath will check for this during an examination and make the necessary referral to a specialist.
Other risk factors include assisted forceps or ventouse delivery, and boys are 1.5 times more susceptible to developing plagiocephaly than girls.
Our Osteopathic Approach to Plagiocephaly
Assessment
During our neonatal examinations, our pediatric osteopaths routinely check for preferential lie and plagiocephaly. We recommend bringing your baby for a check-up before they are eight weeks old. Early detection is crucial. Evidence shows that plagiocephaly persists in 85.6% of cases at 36 months, even if initially reassured by GPs or health visitors. While it usually resolves with conservative treatment, severe cases can lead to jaw misalignment or repeated ear infections.
Our experience shows that preferential lie can also cause early motor development issues. Babies may only roll to one side, weakening neck muscles and affecting head control and sometimes breastfeeding. Some babies might compensate with additional spine movement. Early detection is crucial because of the association between plagiocephaly and early-onset scoliosis.
If you notice a flat spot on your baby’s head, early intervention can lead to significant improvement. The older your baby gets, the less the skull can change shape, especially after 18 months. Detecting the issue between 4 and 6 weeks of age usually allows for full resolution.
At Butterfield Osteopathy, we utilise advanced photographic technology to measure and monitor head shape, providing parents with updates on their baby’s progress.
Treatment and Management
Once we identify positional plagiocephaly, osteopathic treatment can alleviate tension patterns, allow the baby to move freely, and reduce pressure on the flattened area. Our treatment plan generally starts with an initial appointment, followed by weekly follow-ups, and monitoring every 3-6 weeks. Regular monitoring is essential, especially after growth spurts, illnesses, teething, or other events that may increase tension around the skull and body.
Parental Role in Improvement
In recent years, increased awareness among parents has led to a decrease in flat head cases. Parents play a vital role in correcting and preventing further flattening.
Strategies to Help:
- Tummy Time: Essential for improving head shape. Start slowly a few times a day after a nappy change, gradually increasing the duration. A wedge or pillow can help support your baby.
- Repositioning During Sleep: Gently turn your baby’s head to the opposite side while sleeping and avoid positioning them on their flat side in the cot.
- Engage the Other Side: Place toys, lights, and stimuli on the opposite side of the flatness to encourage head turning.
- Feeding Adjustments: For bottle-fed babies, try feeding them from the other side.
- Interactive Play: Engage and talk to your baby on the opposite side of the flatness to promote equal head movement.
- Use a Sling: Carrying your baby in a sling can help ensure proper support for their hips.
Conclusion
At Butterfield Osteopathy, we understand the concerns surrounding plagiocephaly and are here to support you with effective osteopathic treatments and practical advice. Early intervention is key if you notice a flat spot on your baby’s head. With professional osteopathic care and dedicated parental involvement, you can help your baby’s head shape return to normal.
Visit our online booking page to book an appointment and check our availability.
