Plagiocephaly In Babies: Prevention And Therapy

Plagiocephaly is an aesthetic problem that can affect your child’s self-esteem. In childhood and adolescence in particular, many sufferers suffer psychologically from the asymmetrical flattening of the back of the head.

When  plagiocephaly  is called an asymmetrical flattening of the back of the head. It is one of the most common craniofacial abnormalities. This is purely aesthetic and does not affect the baby’s intellectual development in any way.

In particular, this anomaly is caused by the  position in which the sleeping baby lies. If the child sleeps on their back from birth and always turns their head on the same side,  plagiocephaly  can develop.

However, this can also be present since birth. In this case there is a connection with a narrow pelvis in the mother or with complications during childbirth. In this article, you will learn more about this anomaly, as well as preventive and treatment options.

How does plagiocephaly occur?

This is due to pressure on the baby’s skull, which can arise during fetal development, at birth, or afterwards. This anomaly has become more common in recent years, as many pediatricians recommend that the infant sleep on its back. 

This position reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome while sleeping,  but the pressure on the back of the skull is greater and therefore the risk of deformation. Certain tote bags for babies can also have an impact.

Other possible causes of the back of the head flattening are:

• Premature birth
• Congenital muscular torticollis, which means that the child always leans on the same area of ​​the skull.

• Wrong position in the uterus
• Trauma during childbirth

Plagiocephaly: symptoms

As already mentioned, it is a purely aesthetic pathology that has nothing to do with the child’s intelligence in any way. However, there is an asymmetry of the face and head, which is very obvious. The ears are also shifted and the face is arched at the forehead.

Therefore, the flattening and deformation can have a  very negative effect on the child’s self-esteem. And it is precisely for this reason that it is important to be familiar with preventive measures and to know which therapies are available.

How can you make provision?

Since the baby is supposed to sleep on its back,  it is very important to change the position of the head. It is best to alternate with the left and right lateral position of the head. When the little one is awake, they should also lie on their stomach for a while. 

Tummy time is a method with which the baby can develop its motor skills better. However, it is only performed when the child is awake. It lies on the stomach, which can happen on the parents’ chest, for example. This method can also be practiced in bed or on any other comfortable surface.

It is best to let the child play for a while, but this should always be done under supervision. In doing so, it can strengthen its muscles. 

It is important  that the child’s head is not supported on the same area for too long. You can also hold your child in your arms or sit on a child’s armchair (which does not put any pressure on the head). However, we do not recommend a car seat or similar in which the child remains in the same position for a long time and thereby exerts pressure on the head.

There are also other interactive measures. For example, you can put  toys on the other side of the crib to  make sure your child turns their head. Another option is to raise the mattress slightly.

How is plagiocephaly treated?

Treatment is only used if previous measures are unsuccessful. One possibility is helmet therapy. A helmet is used to correct a slight deformity. In this way, it is also prevented that the child can lean on the deformed area.

This system of dynamic cranioplasty is used from the third month of life. Regular check-ups are essential.

Surgery is only considered in very rare cases and only when all other measures have failed.

Conclusion

Precautionary measures are essential to prevent plagiocephaly. These are simple exercises and habits that avoid flattening the back of the head. If you have any doubts or abnormalities, you should seek advice from your pediatrician.