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Plagiocephaly: What It Is, Causes, and Treatment
What is plagiocephaly: definition
Plagiocephaly is a common cranial deformity in babies during the first months of life. It is characterized by asymmetrical flattening on one side of the back of the skull.
This condition is the most common among positional cranial deformities, which occur when the shape of the baby’s head is altered by constant external pressure at a stage when the skull is still soft and moldable due to brain development.
Positional plagiocephaly usually appears when the baby repeatedly rests their head on the same area, although it can also have prenatal causes. Fortunately, the skull sutures remain open, which allows the deformity to be corrected with the right tools.
It should not be confused with craniosynostosis, a different condition in which the skull sutures close prematurely, usually requiring surgical treatment.
Causes of plagiocephaly
Plagiocephaly can have different causes. These are the most common:
Sleeping in the supine position
Since 1994, babies have been recommended to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This measure has been crucial in saving lives, but it has also led to an increase in cases of positional plagiocephaly by keeping the baby’s head resting in the same position for long periods.
This does not mean babies should stop sleeping on their backs, as it is still the safest position, but rather that measures should be taken to prevent these deformities.
Congenital or acquired torticollis
Up to 9 out of 10 babies with plagiocephaly also have some degree of torticollis, a condition that limits neck mobility and causes the baby to always turn their head to the same side. If not detected and treated early, it can promote or worsen a cranial deformity.
Early diagnosis is essential to begin physiotherapy treatment and avoid complications.
Prematurity
Premature babies have an even softer skull and spend more time in incubators or in the supine position, which increases the risk of plagiocephaly. In addition, their neck muscles are usually less developed, making spontaneous posture changes more difficult.
They require special monitoring to prevent plagiocephaly from the first weeks.
Plagiocephaly in a baby: how to detect it
Detecting plagiocephaly early is essential to prevent the cranial deformity from worsening and to correct it more easily. To do this, observe your baby’s head from above. If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to see a professional for assessment:
Misaligned ears
One ear is visibly further forward than the other. This happens because the skull has flattened on one side and shifted its position.
Prominent forehead
The baby may have a visible protrusion on the forehead or on the side opposite the flattening, as a growth compensation.
Asymmetrical head shape
Instead of being round, the head has a parallelogram or rhomboid shape, with one flatter side. This is one of the most characteristic signs.
One eye more closed or smaller
In some cases, the asymmetry can affect the shape of the face, making one eye appear smaller or less open than the other.
Treatment and prevention of plagiocephaly
The good news is that positional plagiocephaly can be prevented and corrected in most cases, especially if detected early.
These are the main strategies for prevention and treatment of plagiocephaly:
Postural repositioning
The first recommended measure to prevent plagiocephaly or treat it in its early stages is repositioning. In other words, alternating the position of the baby’s head during the day to reduce pressure and promote balanced growth:
- Practice Tummy Time several times a day from the first weeks of life, always under supervision
- Regularly change the direction in which the baby sleeps or looks in the crib, stroller, or bouncer
- Encourage active head turning with sounds, lights, or toys placed on different sides
If there are barriers such as torticollis, repositioning should be guided by a pediatric professional.
Specialized pillows
When repositioning is not enough, or as an additional preventive measure, there are safe and effective solutions such as the Mimos® Pillow, a clinically proven Class I Medical Device:
- The Mimos® Pillow has shown significant effectiveness in correcting plagiocephaly in babies when combined with repositioning
- Its ergonomic design allows pressure to be redistributed evenly over the baby’s skull, preventing constant pressure on the same area
- It is registered as a medical device in the European Union and complies with demanding safety and quality standards
- Clinical studies support its use as an effective tool for both prevention and treatment of mild and moderate plagiocephaly
Orthopedic helmet
In more severe cases or when action has not been taken in time, the pediatrician may assess the need for an orthopedic helmet or cranial orthosis. This treatment is usually indicated when:
- The deformity is severe
- The baby is over 4 months old and there has been no improvement with other methods
- The skull sutures are still open, but there is less room for correction
How to prevent plagiocephaly
The key is early prevention, active observation, and the use of medically supported tools.
Sleeping on the back is still the safest position, but with practices such as repositioning, the use of the Mimos® Pillow, and proper professional follow-up, it is possible to correct plagiocephaly in time.
At Cojín Mimos® we offer a safe, certified, and effective solution to protect your baby’s cranial development. Discover it now!
