How to Cure Flat Head in Newborns: The Best Baby Flat Head Treatment

Every time we observe a newborn, we try to ensure that everything is fine, that they are healthy, and that they do not have any issues. You may notice a head asymmetry and a flattening of the skull. In this article, Osteopath Sebastian Guzzetti in Lisbon will explain how to approach baby flat head treatment in newborns.

What is Brachycephaly or Flat Head Syndrome in Newborns?

Brachycephaly, or flat head syndrome, occurs when the newborn presents a flattening of the back part of the skull. About 20% of 4-month-old newborns are affected, and in almost all cases, it is not pathological. The problem can be resolved with targeted infant flat head treatments.

The most effective Baby Flat Head Treatment is Pediatric Osteopathy offered by Osteopath Sebastian Guzzetti.

Difference Between Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly (Flat Head)

Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are cranial alterations that affect the shape of the newborn’s head, but they have different characteristics.

Plagiocephaly

• Definition:

It is a head deformity characterized by the flattening of one side of the skull. It can result from constant pressure on one part of the head, often due to prolonged supine positioning.

• Appearance:

The head has an asymmetrical appearance, with one side flatter behind an ear and the other more prominent. The head shape resembles a parallelogram.

• Causes:

Always sleeping on the same side, congenital muscular torticollis, intense labour, use of a vacuum extractor, or a constant intrauterine position on the same side.

Brachycephaly (Flat Head)

• Definition:

It is a deformity where the head appears wider and shorter, with a relatively greater width than length.

• Appearance:

The back of the head is flattened, giving it a more “square” look.

• Causes:

Frequently associated with constant pressure on the back of the skull, again due to the supine position.

In summary, while plagiocephaly is characterized by asymmetry, brachycephaly appears as a squarer and wider head shape. Both can be treated with osteopathy.

Symptoms of Plagiocephaly

The symptoms of plagiocephaly are easily recognizable: there is a flattening of the head, in most cases at the occipital level (the nape), and the classic “parallelogram” head shape is noticeable.

In addition to the head shape, you may notice that the newborn’s head always turns to the same side, both when lying on their back, when being held, or when playing on a mat.

Sometimes, in the case of plagiocephaly, there is difficulty with breastfeeding and digestion. This is because a flat head on one side can cause facial asymmetry and decrease the newborn’s ability to move freely. The best approach for baby flat head treatment starts with early recognition.

What Causes Flat Head in Babies?

Plagiocephaly, or baby flat head, can have various causes:

1- Supine Position:

The most common cause of flat head is prolonged supine positioning.

• NB: The supine position must be respected and maintained to prevent SIDS!

2- Intrauterine Position:

The position of the fetus inside the uterus can cause a change in head shape.

3- Prolonged Labour and Delivery:

Prolonged labour and delivery exert significant pressure on the baby’s

4- Use of Vacuum Extractor:

The force exerted by the extractor on the skull bones is significant and can cause a change in the head.

5- Torticollis:

Stiffness of the neck muscles can facilitate poor head positioning.

6- Prematurity:

Premature babies are predisposed to plagiocephaly; their cranial structure is weaker.

7- Craniosynostosis:

A rare condition involving the premature fusion of skull sutures (requires surgical treatment).

When to Contact the Paediatrician

If you notice that your child has a flat head, it is always advisable to inform the paediatrician.

However, in almost all cases of plagiocephaly, the solution is to know how to treat flat head in newborns, which means consulting an osteopath in Lisbon, using special pillows, and following the doctor’s instructions.

Baby Flat Head Treatment

How to cure flat head in newborns? One of the main causes of flat head in newborns is tension in the internal membranes of the skull. The best method for baby flat head treatment is Pediatric Osteopathy.

Osteopathy in Newborns with Sebastian Guzzetti, Osteopath Lisbon

Pediatric Osteopathy is very useful for many problems involving newborns; it helps resolve infant colic, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties related to suction, stiff neck, hyperactivity, and flat head (or plagiocephaly).

In the case of plagiocephaly or flat head, the osteopathic treatment offered by Sebastian Guzzetti can eliminate the intra- and extracranial tensions and pressures—mainly created in the womb and during delivery—that maintain the head bones flat or asymmetrical.

Thanks to specific, painless treatments, the pediatric osteopath in Lisbon can release these tensions, thus normalizing the newborn’s shape and functionality.

Tummy Time

In addition to osteopathic treatment, Tummy Time—or play moments with the baby lying on their tummy—is very useful for curing flat head in newborns.

It is advisable to do Tummy Time for at least 30 minutes throughout the day and always under supervision.

Flat Head Pillow & Helmet

Using a specialized plagiocephaly pillow can help prevent further compression of the flatter side of the skull during sleep.

While the paediatric orthopaedist may recommend a helmet in some cases, the most recent scientific research indicates the poor effectiveness of this technique compared to osteopathic treatment.

How to Prevent Flat Head in Newborns

To prevent flat heads or plagiocephaly in newborns, it is necessary to avoid prolonged time lying on their backs, by:

• When awake, do Tummy Time for at least 30 minutes.

• Holding them more often and limiting the time spent in car seats or swings.

• Encouraging them to turn their head to the opposite side of the flattening.

• Getting a postnatal osteopathic check-up with Osteopath Sebastian Guzzetti to evaluate possible tensions.

The main goal remains SIDS prevention, which is why the best results for baby flat head treatment are obtained by performing osteopathic treatments in the first 5 months of life with a specialist like Sebastian Guzzetti, osteopath in Lisbon.

Article written by Sebastian Guzzetti

Osteopath and Pediatric Osteopath in Lisbon, with over 10 years of experience in Italy. Graduated in Human Motricity with a specialization in Sports Science.