If you have already noticed flat spots in your baby’s head shape, continue to be diligent with tummy time. In addition to tummy time, you will also need to apply repositioning methods. Both methods combined, has proven to be effective for most babies with mild-moderate flat head syndrome, between 0-4 months of age.
Repositioning methods are effective for younger babies, between 0-4 months old. It involves constant changing or alternating baby’s head positions when laying on their back. Turning baby’s head to opposite side of flat spot allows even distribution of baby’s head weight.
So how/when do you apply repositioning?
While baby is asleep (on his back), diligently reposition your baby’s head such that the rounded side of his head is placed on the mattress instead of the already flattened side.
When baby is awake, more tummy time will take pressure off baby’s head. These activities should be under close supervision, at all times, for baby’s safety.
During baby’s feeding time, alternate the arm used when holding your baby (alternate left and ride position) to avoid adding further pressure to the flattened side of head.
Severe flat head conditions are less likely to improve with the above methods, if you do not see sufficient improvement and your baby is above 4 months old, you may need consider a head shape evaluation to determine your baby’s condition and whether the Cranial Remoulding Therapy is clinically recommended.
Cranial Remoulding helmets have been used to treat flat head syndrome since the late 1980s.
It is a cranial orthosis (non-invasive medical device) prescribed for infants for the purpose of correcting head shape. The cranial orthosis (helmet) is made of an outer hard shell with inner foam lining).
During each review, the inner foam will be cautiously molded by an Orthotist. This allows redirection of head growth into the flat spots.
Treatment is most effective in babies between 4 to 8 months old. On average, helmet therapy is usually over a period of 3 to 6 months**, heavily dependent on baby’s age, severity level and wear compliance.
During the initial head shape evaluation, we will acquire 3D imaging of your baby’s head shape with an eye-safe scanning system. The scanning system acquires digital measurement, illustrates where reshaping needs to occur and analyzes the baby’s head shape changes throughout treatment. With the scan, we will be able to determine your baby’s head shape condition in order to provide a clinical recommendation.
**Older babies generally require longer treatment period and expectations managed. Therapy will not be effective once skull growth is complete.
Not all babies require the cranial remoulding therapy.