Causes, Treatments, and What Parents Need to Know About Brachycephaly

Every baby’s head shape is unique, but when that adorable little head starts to look a bit too flat at the back, it might be more than just a quirk of nature—it could be brachycephaly. Fortunately, this condition is common and treatable, and with the right approach, your baby’s head can return to its natural, rounded shape. Let’s explore what brachycephaly is, what causes it, and the treatment options available to ensure your baby’s symmetrical head shape development.

Brachycephaly [brae·kuh·seh·fuh·lee] is a condition in which the back of a baby’s head becomes flattened, leading to a wider appearance. Unlike other head shape deformities, such as plagiocephaly (which causes one side of the head to flatten), brachycephaly affects the back of the skull, causing it to flatten and widen. Parents often notice this condition shortly after birth, particularly if the baby spends extended time lying on their back.

What to look for?

Several factors can lead to brachycephaly, and understanding these causes can help parents take early steps to prevent or address the condition:

1. Starfish Sleeping

Babies who sleep with their arms and legs outstretched, in a “starfish” position, may develop brachycephaly. Infants with lower muscle tone may have difficulty moving their head freely during sleep, leading to prolonged pressure on the back of the skull.

Prevention Tip: Gently alternate the direction your baby’s head faces when you lay them down for sleep. You can also vary the crib’s setup by positioning toys or other interesting visuals on opposite sides, encouraging your baby to turn their head naturally.

2. Troubles With Tummy Time

Some babies struggle with tummy time, particularly if they have reflux or other discomforts. Without enough tummy time to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, babies spend more time on their backs, increasing the risk of brachycephaly.

Prevention Tip: Start tummy time early, even if it's for short periods, and build up gradually as your baby becomes comfortable. Using a soft mat, rolled blanket, or placing your baby on your chest for tummy time can make it more enjoyable and help strengthen their muscles without causing discomfort.

3. Prematurity

Premature babies have softer skull bones and are more likely to spend long periods lying in one position, especially when they require respiratory support. This prolonged pressure on the back of the head can result in brachycephaly.

Prevention Tip: For premature infants, repositioning and tummy time (once cleared by your pediatrician) are essential. Work with your healthcare provider on specific positioning techniques that avoid putting pressure on the back of the head. Frequent adjustments in head position can be very beneficial for preemies.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Spending excessive time in car seats, swings, or baby carriers, where a baby’s head remains in a reclined position, can also contribute to flattening. While these devices are convenient, it’s essential to monitor the time spent in them to prevent constant pressure on the back of the head.

Prevention Tip: Limit the time your baby spends in car seats, swings, or baby carriers, especially when at home. Instead, engage in active play on a mat or hold your baby when possible. Using a baby carrier that supports an upright position can also help distribute pressure more evenly and reduce the risk of flattening.

Cranial Remodelling Orthosis (CRO) are one of the most common and effective treatments for brachycephaly. At ROKband, We provide a specialized, custom-designed helmet crafted by our orthotists to redirect growth of your baby's head toward a natural, symmetrical shape.

ROKband Treatment for Brachycephaly

• Customized Design: ROKband treatment begins with a 3D head shape scan to create a personalized helmet for your baby. This scan ensures the ROKband fits your baby’s unique head shape, holding and protecting the areas with extra volume.

• Targeted Growth Redirection: As your baby’s head grows, the ROKband gently directs growth to the back of the head to improve flattening. This targeted redirection gradually helps create a rounder, more balanced head shape, leading to visible improvements over time.

• Comfort and Convenience: The ROKband helmet is lightweight and breathable, making it comfortable for your baby to wear throughout the day. It’s designed to fit seamlessly into your baby’s routine, allowing for tummy time, playtime, and sleep without discomfort.

By starting treatment early, typically around 4 to 6 months, ROKband is highly effective in correcting brachycephaly, especially when the baby’s skull is still soft and malleable.

Brachycephaly Treatment Without A Helmet

In mild cases of brachycephaly, it’s possible to correct the condition without the use of a helmet, if caught early enough. Here are some alternative treatment options parents can try at home:

• Repositioning Techniques: Encourage your baby to sleep and play in different positions to avoid constant pressure on the back of the head. For example, alternating the direction your baby faces in the crib.

• Increased Tummy Time: Tummy time is crucial for strengthening the neck, shoulders, and back, helping to reduce the amount of time your baby spends lying on their back. Aim for short sessions throughout the day, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets stronger.

• Minimizing Time in Reclined Devices: Try and limit the time your baby spends in swings, car seats, or bouncers. Instead opt to hold your baby, carry them in an upright position, or use a baby carrier that supports their head and neck when possible.

It’s important to note that while these methods may help correct mild cases of brachycephaly, more moderate or severe cases may require CRO treatment for the best results.

While brachycephaly is primarily a cosmetic condition, leaving it untreated can lead to potential long-term implications:

• Difficulty Fitting Helmets or Hats: As your baby grows, the abnormally wide head shape may make it difficult to fit standard helmets, hats, or even eyeglasses comfortably.

• Possible Developmental Delays: In more severe cases, untreated brachycephaly can be associated with delays in motor development.

• Head Shape Imbalance: Prolonged flattening at the back of the head can lead to an overall imbalance in head shape, which may become more noticeable as the child grows. This can affect the proportions of the skull, creating a wider and shorter appearance that may persist into later years.

The earlier the condition is treated, the better the outcomes. Early intervention leads to better outcomes for brachycephaly. While repositioning techniques can be effective for mild cases if started early, helmet therapy generally provides more noticeable results for moderate to severe cases. Starting treatment at 4-6 months of age allows for the most effective correction, as the skull is still highly malleable during this period.

Conclusion: Early Intervention Is Key

If you’ve noticed signs of brachycephaly in your baby, it’s essential to seek advice from a healthcare professional early on. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to achieving the best results. A free assessment can determine if your baby would benefit from repositioning techniques or ROKband treatment to encourage a more symmetrical head shape as they grow.

At ROKband, we offer expert care, customized treatment, and support to set you on the path to success, whether treatment is recommended or not.