Understanding Flat Head Syndrome at 7 Months: What Parents Need to Know
As a parent, noticing that your baby’s head looks flat or asymmetrical at 7 months can spark immediate concern. You might wonder: Is this normal? Will it correct itself? Should we see a specialist? Let’s break down what you need to know about flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) and how to approach it calmly and effectively.
What Causes a Flat Head in Infants?
Positional plagiocephaly occurs when prolonged pressure on one area of a baby’s soft skull leads to flattening. This is most common in the first year of life, especially when babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs—even though back sleeping is critical for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Other factors include:
– Limited neck mobility (torticollis), which makes babies favor one side.
– Premature birth, as preemies have softer skulls.
– Multiple births, where cramped space in the womb may contribute.
At 7 months, babies are more active, rolling or sitting independently. However, if they’ve developed a preference for turning their head in one direction, flat spots can persist or become noticeable around this age.
How Serious Is It?
First, take a deep breath: Positional plagiocephaly is usually a cosmetic issue, not a medical emergency. The skull remains soft to accommodate rapid brain growth, and mild flattening often improves naturally as babies spend less time on their backs and more time exploring movement.
However, there are rare cases where a misshapen head signals a more serious condition called craniosynostosis. This occurs when skull bones fuse prematurely, restricting brain growth. Unlike positional flattening, craniosynostosis requires surgical intervention. Red flags include:
– A rigid, raised ridge along the skull.
– Asymmetrical facial features (e.g., uneven ears or eyes).
– No improvement with repositioning or tummy time.
If you notice these signs, consult a pediatrician promptly. For most families, though, the focus will be on addressing positional causes.
When to Act: A 7-Month Checkpoint
At 7 months, parents often ask: Is it too late to fix a flat head? The answer is no—but time is of the essence. While skull bones start hardening after 12 months, there’s still a window for improvement. Here’s your action plan:
1. Assess the Severity
– Gently observe your baby’s head from above. Mild flattening may resemble a parallelogram, while severe cases show a pronounced flat spot.
– Check for neck stiffness by encouraging your baby to turn their head both ways during play.
2. Talk to Your Pediatrician
– Most pediatricians monitor head shape during well visits. If they haven’t mentioned concerns, ask for an evaluation. They may refer you to a specialist (e.g., a pediatric physical therapist or craniofacial clinic) for targeted advice.
3. Boost Tummy Time
– By 7 months, babies should enjoy tummy time and be working on crawling. Aim for 60–90 minutes of supervised play on their stomach daily. Use toys, mirrors, or interactive play to keep them engaged.
4. Encourage Variety
– Alternate the direction your baby faces in the crib or during feedings to discourage favoring one side.
– Hold or carry your baby more often to reduce pressure on their head.
5. Consider Physical Therapy
– If torticollis (tight neck muscles) is contributing to the flat spot, a physical therapist can teach gentle stretches to improve neck mobility.
6. Explore Helmet Therapy
– For moderate to severe cases, a custom helmet (cranial orthosis) may be recommended. These devices gently reshape the skull over several months. While effective, they’re typically considered after repositioning strategies fail.
Long-Term Outlook
The vast majority of babies with positional plagiocephaly see significant improvement by age 2, especially with early intervention. Even without treatment, hair growth and natural head movement often mask mild flattening over time. Studies show no evidence that positional plagiocephaly affects brain development or cognitive skills.
That said, addressing the issue early can prevent frustration down the road. For example, helmets work best when started between 6–12 months, and physical therapy yields faster results when begun promptly.
A Note to Parents
It’s easy to blame yourself: Did I not do enough tummy time? Should I have held them more? Remember, flat head syndrome is incredibly common—affecting up to 1 in 2 infants—and doesn’t reflect your parenting. Modern guidelines prioritize back sleeping to save lives, and that’s non-negotiable.
Focus on what you can control now:
– Celebrate small wins, like your baby turning their head independently.
– Stay consistent with repositioning and playtime.
– Lean on your healthcare team for reassurance and next steps.
In most cases, a flat head at 7 months is a manageable bump in the parenting journey. By staying proactive and informed, you’re already giving your child the best chance for a healthy, happy outcome.
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Understanding Flat Head Syndrome at 7 Months: What Parents Need to Know