Baby skull deformities: what can you do?

Contents

01
What are the types of skull deformations in babies?
02
What are the causes of cranial deformations in babies?
03
A few tips from the maternity ward

Did you know?

The use of unsuitable baby equipment (bouncers, car seats, baby swings, etc.) keeps babies in a fixed position and limits their movement, unlike a firm play mat, which allows them to explore their motor skills across a full range of motion.

What are the types of skull deformations in babies?

Brachycephaly: the back of the skull is flat, symmetrically. The baby moves their head very little and/or does not tend to look to the sides.

Plagiocephaly: only one side of the back of the skull has flattened. The baby generally looks more to one side and has a side preference. The forehead and ear on the flat side may protrude.

Dolichocephaly: (less common), the head is very elongated, the baby frequently keeps their head to one side and rarely looks straight ahead.

Some babies can present with 2 skull deformities at the same time.

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What are the causes of cranial deformations in babies?

Take care mama

Check that the baby turns their head to both sides.
Vary the side from which stimulation is offered
Minimise or avoid baby equipment that restricts the baby's movement

Intrauterine life

During labour

The first weeks of life

The majority of babies present with a positional/preferential cranial deformation; the 2 causes are:
- Restriction in the baby's own range of motion (they are unable to turn their head freely and symmetrically to both sides).
- Restrictions due to the environment: lack of stimulation during wakeful periods (tummy time, sides, free head rotation), overuse of baby equipment, stimulation always coming from the same side, etc.

A few tips from the maternity ward

Check that the baby turns their head to both sides.

Vary the side of stimulation (lights, windows, the side of mum's bed, alternating arms when carrying the baby…).

Minimise or avoid baby equipment that restricts the baby's movement (non-exhaustive list above).

Vary your baby's positions during waking periods only, alternating between tummy, sides and back on a firm surface and under supervision (sleeping on their back is mandatory).

If you notice a preference, a restriction or a cranial deformity when observing your baby, contact your doctor — follow-up with a trained physiotherapist is necessary (and often in conjunction with a trained osteopath as well).

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Baby skull deformities: their causes and how to prevent them

Author

Caroline Esterle

Physiotherapist specialising in perinatal care

A physiotherapist for over 7 years, Caroline Esterle specialises in the care of women and babies. Founder of a multidisciplinary centre, she offers a holistic and coordinated approach to complement standard medical follow-up.