Este artigo é apenas informativo e não substitui consulta médica. Em caso de dúvida, entre em contato com seu pediatra ou parteira.
Flat Head Syndrome (Plagiocephaly) in Babies
Plagiocephaly (flat back of head or asymmetric head shape) affects nearly half of all babies in the first months. In most cases, it is a positional deformity that resolves with simple measures like tummy time and repositioning. Rarely, craniosynostosis (premature suture closure) is the cause, which requires medical evaluation.
Possíveis Causas
- 1Back sleeping — lifesaving (SIDS prevention), but common cause of flattening
- 2Preferred head position to one side (positional preference/torticollis)
- 3Too little tummy time while awake
- 4Too much time in car seat, bouncer, or carrier (hard, flat surface)
- 5Prematurity (softer skull bones)
- 6Very rarely: craniosynostosis (premature closure of a skull suture)
O Que Você Pode Fazer
- Regular tummy time while awake — possible from day 1, gradually increase several times daily
- Regularly change head position during sleep (alternately to left and right)
- Offer stimulation from the non-preferred side (toys, talking, light)
- For torticollis: physiotherapy with targeted stretching exercises
- Helmet therapy (cranial orthosis) only for severe deformity from 4-6 months — medical recommendation needed
Quando Ir ao Médico?
- Head shape does not improve despite consistent repositioning (after 2 months)
- Palpable ridges or bumps along skull sutures
- Head circumference not following growth curve
- Fontanelle closes notably early (before 6 months)
- Asymmetry getting worse instead of better
- Baby cannot turn head to the other side at all (fixed torticollis)
Notas por Faixa Etária
Most positional head deformities develop between months 1 and 4 and resolve on their own by 12-18 months as the baby sits, crawls, and lies less on the back of the head. Helmet therapy (if needed) is most effective between 4 and 8 months when skull bones are still mouldable. After 12 months, helmet therapy is usually no longer effective.
Perguntas Frequentes
Should my baby sleep on their stomach to fix the head shape?
Does my baby need a helmet?
Can an asymmetric head harm my baby?
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Este artigo é apenas informativo. Não substitui aconselhamento médico individual. Se tiver preocupações, entre em contato com seu pediatra, parteira ou ligue para a emergência.