Cranial Helmets

What is Plagiocephaly?

Passage through the birth canal often makes a newborn's head appear pointy or elongated for a short time. It's normal for a baby's skull, which is made up of several separate bones that will eventually fuse (or blend) together, to be slightly misshapen during the few days or weeks after birth.

But if you've noticed that your baby is developing a persistent flat spot, either in the back or on one side of the head, it could be a sign of Positional Plagiocephaly. Positional plagiocephaly is usually easy for parents to notice. Typically, the back of the child's head (called the occiput) and the ear on the flattened side may be pushed forward.

In severe cases, there may be bulging on the side opposite from the flattening and the child's forehead may be asymmetrical or uneven.