How we help with
Positional Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome) and your baby’s development
How your baby moves and rests can gently shape how they grow.
Positional plagiocephaly, often called “flat head syndrome,” happens when a baby’s head begins to develop an uneven shape. This is usually linked to how a baby is positioned during sleep or play, especially in the first few months when the skull is still soft and forming.
At Beachside Family Chiropractic, we often meet parents who notice their little one prefers turning their head to one side or seems a bit tighter through their neck or shoulders. These subtle patterns can place extra pressure on one part of the skull and, over time, may affect how it grows.
Understanding the Causes
A baby’s head shape can be influenced by a variety of gentle pressures and positions. Common contributing factors can include:
- Favouring one side when feeding or sleeping
- Tension in the neck or shoulders
- Extended time in capsules, car seats, or prams
- Positioning in the womb or birth-related strain
When one area of the head or neck experiences more pressure than another, it can create a slight imbalance in muscle tone or movement. Over time, this can lead to the flattening we call plagiocephaly.
How We Support Families
Our chiropractors have additional training in paediatric care and take a gentle, individualised approach to supporting your baby. As part of our assessment, we use a craniometer to take objective head shape measurements, alongside assessing your baby’s movement and individual presentation.
Early identification of plagiocephaly allows head shape and movement to be assessed and monitored during an important period of growth and development. The first months of life involve rapid growth and change, making this a valuable time to monitor your baby’s individual presentation.
Using gentle, age-appropriate techniques, care is tailored to the findings of each baby’s assessment. Where additional or shared support is appropriate, we can also connect families with our trusted network of local health professionals.
1. Initial consult
From your very first visit, you’ll experience a level of care that goes beyond the surface. Our team takes time to listen, understand, and explore your story in detail to get to the heart of what’s really going on. Many families share that it’s the first time they have felt truly heard, leaving with a sense of hope, clarity, and confidence about the journey ahead.
2. INSiGHT scans and neurostructural testing
During your initial consultation, we take a closer look at your neuro-spinal and nervous system function using INSiGHT scanning technology. These three gentle, non-invasive scans help us measure patterns associated with nervous system function, providing additional information to consider alongside your health history and clinical assessment. When clinically appropriate, our chiropractors may also recommend spinal X-rays to further assess spinal structure. With digital X-ray facilities available onsite, these images can form part of your overall clinical assessment and help guide an individualised approach to your care.
3. Individualised care plan
We know that every person and every child is unique, which means there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to care. After your Initial Consultation, our team carefully reviews yours/ your childs case history, INSiGHT Scans, functional assessments, and X-rays if required. From there, we create a personalised care plan that outlines the frequency and duration of adjustments tailored to your family’s specific needs.
4. Report of findings
This visit is all about clarity and understanding. We’ll sit down together to review your or your child’s INSiGHT Scans, neurostructural testing, and any other results from your Initial Consultation. Our team will walk you through what we’ve found, how it relates to your goals, and create a clear plan to support the next steps in care. We love this visit because it’s often the moment families begin to feel empowered and hopeful about what’s possible.
5. Neurologically focused chiropractic adjustments
The next step in your health journey. Our gentle, neurologically focused chiropractic adjustments are tailored to you or your child, taking into account individual needs, assessment findings and neuro-spinal function. Our calm and considered approach is designed to help you and your family feel comfortable, supported and confident throughout your care.
A special message for the 3am Mummas
If you’re reading this after another restless night, wondering if things will ever get better — we see you. You’re not alone. There’s hope, and there’s help.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here with open arms and a plan that’s made just for you and your family. In the meantime, browse through our blog posts to find some support in the dark.