What Is Positional Plagiocephaly?

sybil · Silver Member Joined: 11 Jul 2001 Posts: 300

Hi. I have 10 weeks old boy and I’ve noticed that one side of his head is a bit flattened. At first I thought it will get back to normal but it is still the same. Is it possible there’s something wrong with him? My friend told me he might have positional plagiocephaly for which I’ve never heard before. What is positional plagiocephaly and is it possible that my son has it?? Please tell me all you know – I’m very worried!!! Thanks.

wimpee · Newbie Joined: 31 May 2005 Posts: 12

Positional plagiocephaly is a disorder in which the back or one side of an infant's head is flattened. It is very usual that baby also has only little hair growing in that area. It's not too serious and it is usually caused when a baby spends a lot of time lying in same position where the head is resting against a flat surface. It can also occur when your baby sleeps in the same position repeatedly. Fortunately, it is easy to treat and with appropriate intervention it will correct itself by the time the child is 1 year old. The best treatment I recommend you is repositioning the child during sleep to encourage him or her to alternate the position of the head. There are also wedge pillows made to keep babies lying on one side or the other – you can use one to help your cause.
Also, be sure your baby gets plenty of supervised time on the stomach when he is awake. If condition does not get better, many doctors prescribe a custom-molded helmet or head band. That should give result but it is the very last measure to take. Hope this helps. Best of luck!

What Is Positional Plagiocephaly?

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