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Infant Plagiocephaly: Why "They'll Grow Out Of It" Isn't Always True

Writer's picture: Sabrina ThorpeSabrina Thorpe

As a new mom, you likely spend countless hours marveling at your baby's every move. You are going to be the first one to notice if your baby’s head shape isn’t perfectly round or that they tend to favor turning their head to one side. This condition, known as infant plagiocephaly, is more common than you might think.


Unfortunately, it’s often brushed off as “something they’ll grow out of” by well-meaning pediatricians and other primary care providers. And I'll start off by acknowledging that sometimes this is the case. However, too many healthy, full term babies are ending up in 100% preventable helmets (aka a cranial orthosis), and it is not ok.


At Foundation Physical Therapy, we believe in spreading the word about the importance of early intervention when it comes to our babies and why it is key to addressing infant plagiocephaly and empowering moms to advocate for their baby’s health.


What Is Plagiocephaly and Why Does It Matter?

Plagiocephaly is the medical term for a flat spot or asymmetry on one side of your baby’s head. This condition can result from:


  • Prolonged time spent on their back or in containers (swings, bouncers, SNOOs, etc)

  • An apparent preference for turning the head one way that may be accompanied by a head tilt which the infant has a difficult time turning out of (a condition called torticollis).

  • Limited mobility in the womb or birth trauma.


While some flattening may resolve on its own as babies become more mobile, moderate to severe cases can affect more than just head shape. Plagiocephaly has been linked to:


  • Delays in motor development.

  • Difficulty with feeding and oral motor skills.

  • Challenges with visual tracking and head movement.

  • Altered hip development as seen with hip dysplasia


Why Your Concerns Might Be Dismissed

It’s not uncommon for moms to be told, “It’s just cosmetic,” or “Your baby will grow out of it.” While it’s true that some head reshaping occurs naturally once babies start rolling and sitting up and spend less time with pressure to the back of their heads, this usually isn't enough to completely correct the issue. Therefore, we need to ask why moms are being dismissed when they bring these concerns to their primary care providers.


  • Pediatricians are not trained to assess or address the underlying muscle and fascial imbalances or movement challenges causing plagiocephaly in an overwhelming majority of cases.

  • Overall, it is poorly understood how much time actually matters. The bones of an infant’s skull are most malleable and mobile in the first few months of life. When we can address the problem at this time, it is a very quick fix. The bones do remain malleable through the first year, but the further out from birth a baby is, the more difficult it is for reshaping with natural methods.


This is where pediatric physical therapy plays a vital role.


How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Baby

At Foundation Physical Therapy, we specialize in working with infants to promote healthy motor development and address conditions like plagiocephaly and torticollis.


Our approach is gentle, hands-on, and personalized to your baby’s unique needs. Physical therapy can:


  • Help release tight neck muscles, improving range of motion.

  • Address fascial restrictions that are causing tension and pull of the head and neck to one side.

  • Teach you techniques to encourage balanced movement and prevent further flattening.

  • Support proper motor milestones, like rolling and crawling.


You’re Not Alone: We’re Here to Help

As moms, we’re often told to trust our instincts, but it can be frustrating when our concerns are minimized. Families in the Waukesha area don’t have to settle for dismissive advice. Our clinic is here to help!


At Foundation Physical Therapy, we’ve helped countless moms throughout Waukesha County and the surrounding southeast Wisconsin area address concerns like yours. Let’s give your baby the best possible start and a solid foundation.


Don't wait— Early action can make a lasting difference! Schedule an appointment today!


Location: 403 N Grand Ave Ste 101, Waukesha, WI 53186





pediatric physical therapy for torticollis

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Address: 403 N Grand Ave Ste 101 Waukesha, WI 53186

Phone: 262-627-0425

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