The Long-Term Benefits of Treating Plagiocephaly Early

For many parents, discovering a flat spot on their baby’s head raises questions—Will it improve on its own? Is treatment necessary? While head shape asymmetry is common in infants, taking proactive steps early can make a significant difference in both the short and long term. 

Treating plagiocephaly at the right time not only helps promote a more symmetrical head shape but also supports proper facial development and ensures that your baby meets their motor milestones without delays. In this blog, we’ll explore the lasting benefits of early intervention and why timing matters when it comes to correcting plagiocephaly.

Plagiocephaly, also known as flat head syndrome, is a common condition where one side of an infant’s head becomes flattened due to external pressure. This often results in asymmetry of the head shape, misalignment of facial features, and in some cases, difficulty fitting headgear later in life.

Plagiocephaly can develop due to prolonged time spent lying in one position, a preference for turning the head to one side, or underlying conditions such as torticollis, which limits neck movement. While some mild cases can improve with repositioning and increased tummy time if observed within the first 4 months of life, more moderate to severe cases often require specialized intervention to achieve the best results.

During the first year of life, a baby’s skull remains highly malleable to accommodate rapid brain growth. This flexibility also makes infants more susceptible to developing flat spots if pressure is applied to one area for prolonged periods. The good news? Because the skull is still growing during this stage, early intervention—whether through repositioning techniques in mild cases or cranial remodelling orthoses (CRO) like the ROKband for moderate to severe cases—can effectively guide head shape development and prevent long-term asymmetries.

1. Improved Head and Facial Symmetry

Plagiocephaly not only affects the shape of the skull but can also lead to facial asymmetry, where one side of the forehead, cheek, or jaw is positioned differently than the other. While these asymmetries may not always be visibly noticeable as your child grows, they can become more apparent when fitting glasses, helmets, or other headgear, as well as potentially impacting jaw alignment over time.

Early intervention ensures:

• A balanced head shape that continues to grow symmetrically.

• Reduced risk of facial imbalances, including a slanted forehead or uneven jaw alignment.

• Proper ear positioning, preventing one ear from being positioned more forward than the other.

2. Better Fit for Helmets, Glasses, and Headgear

A well-rounded head shape isn’t just about aesthetics—it also plays a functional role in ensuring a comfortable and proper fit for essential headgear later in life.

Untreated plagiocephaly may lead to difficulties with:

• Sports helmets for activities like biking, skiing, or contact sports.

• Protective headgear for certain occupations.

• Eyeglasses, as misaligned ears can cause an improper fit.

By treating plagiocephaly early, you’re reducing the likelihood of future challenges related to these everyday necessities.

3. Supports Healthy Neck and Postural Development

Many babies with plagiocephaly also have torticollis, a condition that causes tight neck muscles and limits head movement. This can impact a baby’s ability to turn their head evenly to both sides.

Potential issues if untreated:

• Delays in reaching motor milestones like rolling over, sitting, or crawling.

• Favoring one side for movement, which can lead to muscle imbalances.

• Challenges in developing proper posture as they grow.

Early treatment encourages:

• Balanced head movement, allowing your baby to look in both directions easily.

• Proper neck muscle development, reducing the risk of persistent tightness.

• Easier milestone achievement, leading to smoother overall development.

Early intervention with a pediatric health professional, such as a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or osteopath, can help improve neck mobility and overall posture through targeted exercises and therapy. Addressing both head shape and neck mobility together ensures the best possible outcomes for a baby’s development.

4. Minimizes Need for More Advanced Interventions

The earlier plagiocephaly is treated, the shorter and more effective the treatment tends to be.

If left untreated beyond infancy, potential challenges include:

• More noticeable asymmetries that become harder to correct.

• Longer treatment times if correction is attempted later.

Early action with repositioning, pediatric therapy, or cranial remodelling orthoses (CROs) can:

• Reduce overall treatment duration, often achieving full correction within months.

• Minimize the risk of long-term implications, ensuring the best possible head shape outcome.

5. Provides Peace of Mind for Parents

One of the most underrated benefits of early treatment is peace of mind. As a parent, knowing that you’ve taken proactive steps to support your baby’s healthy development can bring a sense of relief.

Early intervention allows you to:

• Explore all available options and make the best, most informed choice for your child’s head shape and overall well-being.

• Address concerns head-on rather than waiting and worrying about whether the issue will improve on its own.

• See visible improvements quickly, easing stress and uncertainty while reinforcing that you’ve made the right decision.

• Feel confident that your baby’s head shape is developing properly, ensuring they have the best foundation for future growth and development.

By taking action early, parents can make well-informed decisions, receive expert guidance, and have reassurance that their baby is on the right path to achieving the best possible outcomes.

The best time to address plagiocephaly is between 0-6 months of age, when the skull is still highly malleable, and growth can be easily redirected. However, treatment can be effective up to 18 months, with earlier intervention offering the fastest and most optimal results.

Repositioning Techniques (Best for 0-4 Months)

• Encouraging tummy time to reduce time spent on the back.

• Alternating sleep positions and switching feeding sides to balance head pressure.

• Using toys, mirrors, and sounds to encourage head turning in both directions.

Pediatric Therapy (For Babies with Torticollis or Persistent Flattening)

• Working with pediatric physiotherapists, chiropractors, or osteopaths to improve neck mobility and muscle balance.

• Our community partners offer expert guidance in supporting natural head shape development.

Cranial Remodelling Orthoses (For 4-18 Months)

• If repositioning and therapy haven’t resulted in improvement, a custom-designed ROKband can help improve your baby’s head shape by directing new growth to the flatter areas.

• Treatment is non-invasive, comfortable, and proven effective, with most families seeing visible improvement within weeks.

Not all cranial remodelling orthoses are created the same. ROKband stands out due to its advanced technology, comfort-focused design, and expert-led treatment approach.

Advanced 3D Scanning Technology

ROKband utilizes precise 3D LED light scanning technology to capture the exact shape of a baby’s head, ensuring a fully customized device. This advanced technology enables highly accurate assessments and treatment plans tailored to each child’s needs.

Custom-Designed for Each Baby

Every ROKband is custom-designed using specialized CAD/CAM technology. Orthotists carefully review every scan to create a fit that is both corrective and comfortable, helping guide natural head growth without unnecessary pressure.

Lightweight and Breathable Materials

ROKbands are made with hypoallergenic materials designed for comfort. The device is half the weight and a third of the thickness of other helmets, allowing babies to engage in daily activities such as tummy time, rolling, and playing without restriction.

Additionally, increased ventilation makes ROKbands up to four degrees cooler, reducing the likelihood of overheating, skin irritation, or discomfort.

Designed for an Active and Happy Baby

ROKbands prioritize ease of use. Babies wearing a ROKband can continue developing their gross motor skills without interruption. Its sleek design allows for uninterrupted playtime, and the lightweight build minimizes pressure on the head and neck.

Expert Monitoring and Adjustments

At ROKband, treatment doesn’t end with a single fitting. Orthotists and clinicians continuously monitor each baby’s progress, ensuring that adjustments are made as needed for the best results. Regular follow-ups ensure that the treatment plan remains on track and effective.

Shorter Treatment Duration

With early intervention, many families see visible improvements in their baby’s head shape within weeks of starting ROKband treatment. On average, full correction takes just a few months, allowing families to return to their normal routines sooner.

Conclusion: Early Action for Lifelong Benefits

Plagiocephaly is a common condition, but when addressed early, it is highly treatable. By taking proactive steps through repositioning, pediatric therapy, or a custom-designed cranial remodelling orthosis, parents can help ensure:

• A well-balanced head shape

• Proper facial and jaw alignment

• Unrestricted neck movement and muscle development

• Easy fitting of helmets, glasses, and protective headgear

• Shorter treatment duration with the best possible results

Book a Free Head Shape Assessment Today

If your baby is four months or older and you haven’t seen improvement or still have concerns, scheduling a free head shape assessment is the best way to determine the next steps. No referral is needed, and appointments are available with no long wait times.

Early intervention ensures that your baby’s head shape develops in the best way possible—giving them the comfort, confidence, and freedom to grow and explore without restrictions.