Abnormal Head Shape Treatment
Early evaluation and treatment can help support healthy skull growth and development in infants with abnormal head shapes.
Quick Answer
Abnormal head shapes in infants are most often treated with repositioning techniques and supervised tummy time, and with physical or occupational therapy when torticollis is involved. If deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly persists between 3 and 18 months of age, a clinician may prescribe a custom STARband™ cranial remolding helmet, typically worn 23 hours a day for 3–6 months.
If you recognize that your baby has a flat spot or an abnormal head shape, the first thing you should do is talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention is crucial in addressing and correcting head shape abnormalities, ensuring optimal growth and development for your child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that pediatricians evaluate the baby’s head at each visit from the top, both sides, the front, and the back. Regular assessments help identify abnormalities early and support timely intervention.
The Importance of Tummy Time
The AAP recommends repositioning techniques and supervised tummy time to help support healthy skull development.
- Reduce pressure on flattened areas of the skull
- Build strong neck and trunk muscles
- Support rolling, sitting, and crawling milestones
- Encourage balanced motor development
Torticollis and Therapy
Torticollis, a neck muscle imbalance, may contribute to flat spots and asymmetrical head growth.
Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended to improve range of motion and encourage more symmetrical development.
Additional Evaluation and Imaging
In some cases, your clinician may recommend evaluation by a pediatric neurosurgeon to assess skull sutures and rule out craniosynostosis or other skull shape disorders.
Imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI may be recommended when clinically appropriate.
Helmet Therapy & STARband™ Treatment
If your baby is diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly between 3 and 18 months of age, your clinician may prescribe a STARband™ cranial remolding orthosis.
The STARband™ helmet gently guides skull growth by applying mild pressure to prominent areas while allowing room for growth in flattened regions.
What to Expect During Treatment
- Lightweight, custom-made helmet
- Typically worn 23 hours per day
- Treatment generally lasts 3–6 months
- Regular follow-up visits monitor progress
- Most babies adapt very quickly
Repositioning Techniques at Home
- Alternate head position during sleep
- Encourage turning toward the non-flattened side
- Provide supervised tummy time daily
- Limit prolonged time in swings and carriers
Why Early Intervention Matters
Early intervention and consistent follow-up are key to achieving the best outcomes for babies with head shape abnormalities.
The earlier treatment begins, the greater the opportunity to guide natural skull growth during infancy.
About Cranial Center
The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and most experienced cranial centers on the East Coast specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy.
Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world.
Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics.
Locations include Hackensack, Hazlet, and Morristown, New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is an abnormal head shape treated?
Treatment typically starts with repositioning techniques and supervised tummy time. If torticollis is involved, physical or occupational therapy may be recommended. For deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly that persists between 3 and 18 months of age, a clinician may prescribe a custom STARband™ cranial remolding helmet.
What is tummy time and why does it help?
Supervised tummy time is an AAP-recommended repositioning technique that reduces pressure on flattened areas of the skull, builds strong neck and trunk muscles, supports rolling, sitting, and crawling milestones, and encourages balanced motor development.
What is torticollis and how is it treated?
Torticollis is a neck muscle imbalance that may contribute to flat spots and asymmetrical head growth. Physical or occupational therapy may be recommended to improve range of motion and encourage more symmetrical development.
When is STARband™ helmet therapy recommended?
A clinician may prescribe a STARband™ cranial remolding orthosis if a baby is diagnosed with deformational plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, or scaphocephaly between 3 and 18 months of age. The lightweight, custom-made helmet is typically worn 23 hours per day for about 3–6 months, with regular follow-up visits to monitor progress.
Is imaging needed to diagnose a head shape abnormality?
Not always. In some cases, a clinician may recommend evaluation by a pediatric neurosurgeon to assess skull sutures and rule out craniosynostosis or other skull shape disorders, along with imaging such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI when clinically appropriate.
Why does early intervention matter?
Early intervention and consistent follow-up offer the greatest opportunity to guide natural skull growth during infancy and are key to achieving the best outcomes for babies with head shape abnormalities.