Plagiocephaly / Flat Head Syndrome
Plagiocephaly, commonly called flat head syndrome, is a flattened area on an infant's skull, often noticed by parents in the first few months of life. At Two Sparrows, we offer gentle evaluation and care, often alongside addressing related neck restriction.
Understanding Plagiocephaly Severity
Plagiocephaly exists on a spectrum, and understanding the general categories helps clarify what approach is likely to be recommended.
Why It Happens
Because an infant's skull is still soft and developing, consistent pressure on one area — from sleeping position, positioning in the womb, or a preference for turning the head one direction — can gradually lead to flattening. Torticollis (tight neck muscles limiting movement) is a common contributing factor, since it often causes babies to consistently rest their head in the same position.
General Severity Categories
Mild — slight flattening, often improves well with repositioning and increased tummy time alone
Moderate — more noticeable flattening or asymmetry, often benefits from combined repositioning, tummy time, and addressing any underlying torticollis
Severe — significant flattening or facial asymmetry, which may warrant evaluation for helmet therapy alongside other interventions
Why the First Few Months Matter Most
An infant's skull is most moldable in the first 4-6 months of life, since the bones are still soft and the growth rate is at its highest — this is why addressing contributing factors like torticollis early tends to produce better results with less need for more involved interventions like helmet therapy.
The Connection to Torticollis
A significant portion of plagiocephaly cases occur alongside torticollis, since a baby with a positional preference from tight neck muscles will consistently rest their head in the same position, reinforcing the flattening — addressing the underlying torticollis is often a meaningful part of a complete approach.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Contact your pediatrician for evaluation if flattening seems significant, isn't improving with repositioning efforts over several weeks, or if you notice facial asymmetry — your pediatrician can determine whether helmet therapy evaluation with a specialist is appropriate.
A visibly flattened area on the back or side of the baby's head
Asymmetry in the shape of the head or face
Often occurs alongside torticollis or a positional preference for turning the head one direction
Symptoms We Commonly See
Our Approach
We evaluate your baby's neck movement and any restriction that may be contributing to positional preference, using very light, specific techniques to support improved range of motion. Addressing underlying neck restriction can support more varied head positioning, which may help reduce ongoing pressure on the flattened area.
This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your pediatrician about your baby's head shape, including whether helmet therapy or specialist evaluation is appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Mild cases often improve with repositioning strategies and increased tummy time. More significant cases may require additional intervention, such as a specialist evaluation for helmet therapy.
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No — if your pediatrician has recommended helmet therapy, chiropractic care can be a complement addressing any underlying neck restriction, not a replacement for that treatment.
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Earlier is generally better, since an infant's skull is most moldable in the first several months of life — addressing underlying neck restriction early may help support more even head positioning.
— not spent quietly worrying over a flat spot on their little one's head that seems to be growing more noticeable.
Sometimes that means looking beyond the obvious, and toward gentle, whole-body care that supports how your baby's body was designed to grow, move, and heal.
Holistic, non-invasive, Gonstead chiropractic care helps to provide a clear and hopeful path forward for you and your family, meeting your baby exactly where they are, with the same gentleness they deserve in these very first, precious months of life.
You don't have to have all the answers today — just a willingness to explore what's possible, one gentle step at a time.