What is Brachycephaly?

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Brachycephaly is a term used to describe a flattening of the back of a baby’s head, resulting in a wide, short skull shape. This condition is typically seen in infants who spend a lot of time lying on their backs, either during sleep or while awake. Although the term might sound a bit intimidating, it’s important to note that brachycephaly is usually harmless and often improves over time with simple adjustments.

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What causes brachycephaly in babies?

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Brachycephaly is primarily caused by positional pressure on the skull, often when babies spend too much time lying flat on their backs, especially during the first few months of life. While you’re probably familiar with the recommendation to always put babies to sleep on their backs (which helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS), this position can sometimes lead to flat spots developing on the back of the head, especially if the baby is in this position for long periods of time.

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Here are some common causes of brachycephaly:

• Back sleeping: The most common cause of brachycephaly is the sleeping position babies are placed in—on their backs. Babies' skulls are soft and pliable, which makes them more susceptible to flattening if pressure is applied to one area for extended periods.

• Limited movement: If a baby doesn’t have enough tummy time or isn’t encouraged to turn their head from side to side, they may spend too much time lying in one position, leading to flattened areas.

• Multiple births: Babies born as multiples, such as twins or triplets, might have less space in the womb and may be more likely to develop positional skull deformities like brachycephaly.

• Prematurity: Preterm babies may be more likely to experience flat head syndrome since their skulls are softer and more malleable at birth.

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How Can You Tell if Your Baby Has Brachycephaly?

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The most noticeable sign of brachycephaly is a flattened area on the back or side of your baby’s head, which can create a broader appearance of the skull. Other signs may include:

• A Flattened head: You may notice that the back of your baby’s head looks noticeably flat when they’re lying down.

• Wider skull: The sides of your baby’s head may appear to be wider than normal, creating a more rounded or squared appearance.

• Head shape that doesn’t Improve: If the flattening persists, it might become more noticeable as your baby grows.

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It’s important to remember that a little bit of flattening is completely normal and common, especially in the first few months. However, if you’re concerned about the extent of the flattening or if it doesn’t seem to improve, it’s always a good idea to speak to your pediatrician for reassurance and advice.

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Is Brachycephaly harmful?

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In most cases, brachycephaly is not harmful and doesn’t cause any long-term health problems. It typically doesn’t affect brain development, vision, or hearing. However, it’s still important to address the condition, as it can have a cosmetic impact on your baby’s appearance, and in some cases, it might be linked to developmental delays if not managed properly.

The good news is that with early intervention, most babies’ heads return to a more normal shape as they grow. The skull continues to harden and reshape as they become more mobile and engage in activities like sitting, crawling, and standing.

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How to help prevent or improve Brachycephaly

 

There’s a lot you can do as a parent to encourage healthy head shape development and help your baby’s skull return to a more rounded shape. Here are some tips:

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1. Tummy time is key

One of the most important things you can do for your baby’s head shape is to make sure they get plenty of tummy time. This helps strengthen the neck, shoulder, and back muscles, and it reduces the pressure on the back of the head. Start tummy time early, even from the first few weeks of life, and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.




 

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2. Limit time in car seats or bouncers

While it’s tempting to keep your baby in a car seat, stroller, or bouncer for convenience, spending too much time in these seated positions can contribute to flat head syndrome. Instead, make sure to let your baby spend time lying on their tummy or being held in different positions to give their head a break from the same pressure points.

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3. Encourage head turning

Encourage your baby to turn their head from side to side during playtime, feeding, and tummy time. This helps prevent them from resting their head on one side all the time. You can also place toys or objects of interest just out of reach on the side your baby tends to avoid to encourage them to look in the other direction.

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4. Alternate sleeping positions (Safely)

While it’s essential to follow the safe sleep guidelines and always place your baby on their back to sleep, you can also make small changes to avoid consistent pressure on the same spot. For example, you can occasionally adjust the position of your baby’s head while they sleep (within safe sleep guidelines) or gently turn them during naps to prevent them from resting on the same spot all the time.

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5. Take a Skully Care Scan

By using our accurate Skully Care scan, you can easily monitor the development of your baby's head shape, in order to see whether it improves or if you need to undertake other steps. 

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6. Visit your pediatrician

If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape or the flattening doesn’t improve over time, it’s important to speak to your pediatrician. They may refer you to a specialist or recommend a course of treatment, which could include physical therapy, repositioning techniques, or in rare cases, a helmet to help reshape the skull.

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When to consult a doctor?

In most cases, brachycephaly resolves on its own with a little extra care and attention. However, if your baby’s head shape does not improve as they grow, or if the flattening seems severe, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor. In some instances, a cranial helmet may be recommended to help reshape the head. These helmets are designed to apply gentle pressure to specific areas of the skull to encourage more natural growth.

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Conclusion

As a first-time parent, noticing any physical condition in your baby can be stressful, but it’s important to remember that brachycephaly is common and treatable. With simple measures like tummy time, repositioning, and encouraging head movement, you can help your baby’s head shape improve naturally. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician—they’re your best resource for advice on your baby’s health and development.

At SkullyCare, we’re here to support you through all stages of your baby’s growth. If you have more questions or need more tips on caring for your baby’s head shape, feel free to explore our website or contact us for expert advice!

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