18/03/2025
Can Brachycephaly Correct Itself? When and How Treatment is Effective
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and sometimes that means worrying about their health or development. One common concern is brachycephaly, a condition where a baby develops a flat spot on the back of their head due to prolonged pressure. Many parents wonder, can brachycephaly correct itself? The answer depends on your baby’s age and the severity of the condition. Understanding when and how to intervene can make a significant difference in your baby’s head shape development.
Illustration of a baby with a brachycephaly.
What is brachycephaly?
Brachycephaly occurs when the back of a baby’s skull becomes flattened, usually due to spending too much time lying on their back. This is most common in the first few months of life when the skull is still soft and malleable. While some cases improve on their own as babies grow and become more mobile, others may require intervention. If you're unsure whether your baby has brachycephaly, you can easily measure it using our Skully Care app and receive results within minutes on your phone.
In mild cases, brachycephaly can correct itself as babies naturally start to move their heads more, roll over, and spend less time on their backs. However, in moderate to severe cases, intervention may be necessary to encourage proper skull development. The key factor is early detection and action.
When Can You Still Treat Brachycephaly?
The best time to treat brachycephaly is during the first six months of life. At this stage, the skull is still flexible, making it easier to correct the shape. While some improvement may still be possible after six months, it becomes significantly harder as the skull hardens. By 12 months, natural correction is less likely without intervention, such as helmet therapy.
Treatment Options for Brachycephaly
If your baby’s head shape doesn’t seem to be improving naturally, there are several treatment options available:
Positional Changes – Encourage tummy time during supervised play and alternate your baby’s head position when they sleep. This helps relieve pressure on one spot.
Physical Therapy – If your baby has tight neck muscles (torticollis), therapy can help improve posture and mobility, reducing pressure on the skull.
Helmet Therapy – For moderate to severe cases, a cranial helmet may be recommended between 4 and 12 months to guide skull growth. Learn more in our articles: ‘To Helmet or Not to Helmet?’ and ‘The Ultimate Guide to Baby Helmets for Flat Head Syndrome’.
How Can Skully Care Help?
Skully Care provides an innovative solution for parents concerned about brachycephaly. With the Skully Care app, you can accurately measure your baby’s head shape using a simple photo and receive instant results. This allows you to monitor progress over time and determine whether intervention is needed. The app also provides personalized recommendations based on your baby’s measurements and developmental stage, helping you take the right steps at the right time.
For professionals, Skully Care offers advanced tools to track and analyze cranial development, making it easier to provide tailored advice to parents. By integrating technology with early detection and treatment strategies, Skully Care aims to improve outcomes for babies with brachycephaly.
Conclusion
So, can brachycephaly correct itself? In mild cases, yes. But for moderate to severe cases, early intervention is key to ensuring the best outcome. If your baby is younger than six months, implementing repositioning techniques and tummy time can help. If concerns persist, consulting a specialist or considering helmet therapy may be necessary.
With tools like the Skully Care app, you can take proactive steps to monitor and manage your baby’s head shape development. Don’t hesitate to take action—your baby’s healthy development is worth it!
Writen by Elly van der Grift
Elly van der Grift is the co-founder of Skully Care and a pediatric physiotherapist with over 30 years of experience. Her mission is to provide top care for babies with skull deformities. With her infectious enthusiasm, she shares simple, effective tips that can make a big difference for your baby. Working with Elly, you'll feel confident and supported in your baby’s journey to better health.