Health Issues

Plagiocephaly What is Plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly is a “malformation of the head marked by an oblique slant to the main axis of the skull”. The Term has also been applied to any condition characterized by a persistent flatten spot on the back or one side of the child’s head.

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What causes Plagiocephaly?

Up until about one year of age, the bones of your baby's head are very thin and flexible. This makes your baby's head very soft and easy to mold. For the first few months of life your baby will not be strong enough to roll over on his own. If your baby prefers to look in one direction or if your baby is always on his back, part of his skull may become flat. This flattening is caused by constant pressure on one part of the skull. This is called positional plagiocephaly. Your baby may also develop a flat spot if he spends long periods of time in a car seat or reclining seat.

You may start to see flattening when your baby is only four to six weeks old.