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Séance de physiothérapie pédiatrique à Prilly

Plagiocephaly

Plagiocephaly in babies, also known as flat head syndrome, is a flattening of one side of the back of the skull. This deformation is common during the first few months of life, when the skull is still soft and sensitive to prolonged pressure. In most cases, it is positional plagiocephaly, related to the infant's posture, a preference for turning the head to one side, or congenital torticollis.

 

At PhysioUnion in Prilly, near Lausanne, we offer pediatric physiotherapy assessments to analyze skull shape, neck mobility, infant motor skills, and daily positioning habits. Our goal is to support parents with simple, personalized advice tailored to their child's development.

Schedule an appointment for a plagiocephaly assessment

What is plagiocephaly?

Positional plagiocephaly is characterized by an asymmetrical flattening of the skull, most often at the back and on one side only. It may be accompanied by a slight shift in the position of the ears or an asymmetry of the forehead. Unlike some rarer conditions such as craniosynostosis, positional plagiocephaly is caused by external forces exerted on a still-malleable skull. It primarily affects the shape of the head and, in general, does not impair brain development.

infant on its stomach

Why is my baby's head flattening?

Several factors can contribute to the development of a flat head in infants:

 

  • a preference for always turning the head in the same direction;

  • congenital torticollis;

  • prolonged time spent lying on one's back outside of sleep, in devices that limit movement;

  • a lack of time spent awake on the stomach;

  • Prematurity or certain positional constraints before or during birth.

infant lying on its side

When should you consult a pediatric physiotherapist?

An evaluation is useful if you observe:

 

  • a flattening on one side of the head;

  • a clear preference for turning the head to the right or to the left;

  • a difficulty in looking from one side;

  • a head often tilted;

  • an asymmetry that seems to increase over the weeks.

 

Early intervention is beneficial, as the first few weeks and months are a period when postural habits can still change rapidly. Parental recommendations emphasize early detection, time spent on the awake tummy, and positioning measures.

Plagiocephaly and physiotherapy

A few simple measures are often recommended:

 

  • offer tummy time during waking hours, always under supervision;

  • vary the carrying side and the feeding side;

  • place toys, light or stimuli on the side the baby looks at less;

  • limit prolonged time spent in seats, deckchairs or car seats when possible;

  • Continue to put the baby to sleep on their back, without a positioning cushion or pillow.

Helmet for plagiocephaly: is it always necessary?

No. Helmet use is not always necessary. In many cases, the condition improves with growth, repositioning, and physiotherapy, especially when treatment begins early. Some guidelines reserve helmet use for moderate to severe cases that show little improvement despite standard measures, often around 5 to 7 months , with a more limited benefit beyond approximately 10 months .

Our care at PhysioUnion in Prilly

At PhysioUnion, we offer a gentle, progressive, and individualized approach for babies with plagiocephaly or associated torticollis. This support includes:

 

  • a complete clinical evaluation;

  • practical tips for everyday life;

  • monitoring the evolution of symmetry and mobility;

  • coordination with the pediatrician if necessary;

  • parental support to promote good support and motor development.

Follow your child's development

Skully Care, an app for parents

We offer you the opportunity to monitor your child's development using the Skully Care app. This will give you personalized tracking, accessible at any time.

Skully Care graphic
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