Brachycephaly Baby: A Common Concern That Often Improves Naturally
As a parent, you may notice that your baby has a flat spot on the back of their head. This condition is known as brachycephaly. The term “brachycephaly” literally means “broad head.” In some cases, this skull shape can run in families, and there's usually no reason for concern. However, brachycephaly in babies often develops when your little one spends a lot of time lying on their back with their head in the same central position.
Some babies tend to keep their head facing straight up—even during sleep—without turning it to either side. This limits the lengthwise growth of the skull, causing it to grow wider instead. Thankfully, this is the body’s natural way of making sure there is enough room for brain development, and it doesn’t harm your baby.
Still, we understand that many parents hope the flatness will improve. The good news is: it usually does. Research shows that a baby’s head shape can continue to develop and become more oval-shaped until around five years of age.
What Can You Do If Your Baby Has Brachycephaly?
If you want to support your baby’s natural head growth:
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During awake time, place your baby on their side.
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While they sleep, gently rotate their head to one side—always following safe sleep guidelines.
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You can start these small changes as early as two months of age, but even later on they can still be effective.
Once your baby is around six months old and able to roll onto their stomach, it becomes harder to control their sleeping position. From that moment, adjustments can only be made during sleep, not while awake. But don’t worry—nature is quite good at reshaping your baby’s head over time.
Monitoring Your Baby’s Head Shape
To keep an eye on changes in your baby’s head shape, try using the Skully Care app. With just a photo, you can check if there’s any cause for concern. If the app shows moderate to significant flattening, you may want to consult a pediatric physiotherapist for extra guidance.
In some cases, when brachycephaly in babies is severe, helmet therapy might be considered. The app will indicate this by showing a red zone in the results.
Final Tip for Parents
Remember: brachycephaly in babies is common and usually harmless. With some small changes in positioning and a bit of patience, most babies' head shapes improve naturally. If you have any doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or a specialist.
Curious what else you can do to support your baby? The articles below offer more guidance, comfort, and practical advice.
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Writen by Elly van der Grift
Elly van der Grift is the co-founder of Skully Care and a pediatric physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience. Her mission is to provide top care for babies with skull deformities. With her infectious enthusiasm, she shares simple, effective tips that can make a big difference for your baby. Working with Elly, you'll feel confident and supported in your baby’s journey to better health.