• Flat head syndrome affects three in 10 infants by four months of age.
• Early treatment is essential when the baby’s head shape is still malleable.
• PlagioCentre@KKH is the nation’s first dedicated clinic to assess and treat flat head in infants.
• KKH is the first local public hospital to offer 3D-printed helmet therapy. Most infants show visible improvements within three months of treatment. 

Flat head syndrome occurs when an infant’s skull becomes misshapen or flattened due to constant pressure being placed on one side. In extreme cases, this may result in asymmetrical facial growth and visual difficulties in adulthood.

KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH) noted a 36 per cent increase in diagnosed cases over the past two years – rising from over 800 cases in 2022 to over 1,000 in 2024 – with growing awareness among healthcare providers and parents about the importance of early detection and intervention.

PlagioCentre@KKH is Singapore’s first dedicated clinic to assess and manage flat head syndrome in infants. KKH is also the first public hospital in Singapore to offer 3D-printed helmets as part of its treatment options.

“Infants who have been referred to PlagioCentre@KKH will be managed according to their severity by a multidisciplinary team involving neonatology, physiotherapy and orthotics, and our aim is to ensure that every child can have the best start in life,” said Dr Kavitha V Sothirasan, Lead, PlagioCentre@KKH.

What is flat head syndrome?

Flat head syndrome is relatively common and primarily categorised into two types – plagiocephaly and brachycephaly (Table 1). Globally, 22 per cent of infants are affected by the sixth week of life, and nearly 30 per cent by the fourth month.

Often caused by babies spending prolonged periods on their back with their head in the same position, it can be aggravated by torticollis, a condition where tight neck muscles make it difficult for babies to turn their head properly.

Table 1. Types of flat head syndrome
Plagiocephaly	Brachycephaly
An asymmetrical head shape with cranial flattening to one side of the head	Cranial flattening across the back of the head, causing its shape to appear wider and shorter than usual

“This condition is highly preventable and treatable, and treatment, when initiated during the early days of development, is effective in correcting the baby’s head shape,” added Dr Kavitha, who is also Senior Staff Physician, Department of Neonatology, KKH.

Early treatment is key to good health outcomes

While mild cases can resolve naturally as infants develop greater mobility, moderate to severe cases require clinical attention.

Custom 3D-printed helmets for personalised treatment at KKH At PlagioCentre@KKH, infants who are eligible for helmet therapy will be fitted with a custom-made 3D-printed helmet to match and gently reshape the unique contour of their head. The helmet is made from lightweight and breathable perforated material to optimise their treatment and provide comfort and fit.

Helmet therapy applies gentle pressure to specific areas and leaves space for the head to grow in the flattened areas (Figure 1), to encourage symmetrical growth. Infants are required to wear the helmets for 23 hours a day, and most of them will show visible improvements within the first two to three months of treatment.

Helmet therapy is most effective when the cranial sutures are still malleable, allowing for optimal skull remoulding potential. The sooner the treatment is started the better the results.