![]() ![]() The desire for symmetry can often increase parental anxiety, but it’s important to recognize that no one has a perfectly round head. Also, since the flattening is cosmetic, insurance may or may not cover the helmet. Parents will often notice that some degree of flattening remains. Helmets encourage growth in the flat spot, but do not actively reshape the child’s head. In these cases, a cranial orthotic company will mold a custom helmet to be worn 23 hours per day for about three months. In rare instances, helmet therapy may be recommended for babies with moderate or severe flattening around six to eight months of age. It’s by this age that many infants become more mobile, turning their heads on their own and rolling from back to belly, naturally decreasing the amount of time spent on their backs or in one position. Most parents notice a change or improvement in head shape between four to six months. Gently turn your baby’s head if they favor one position.Įncourage supervised side-laying position.Īim for a collective 80 minutes or more per day of supervised tummy time by three months of age. And since newborns sleep between 14 and 17 hours each day, it’s important that they spend time in other positions. ![]() The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants sleep on their backs at night to prevent the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Preventive MeasuresĮarly detection is essential for preventing the progression of flat spots. Affecting an estimated one in every 2,000 babies in the U.S., this condition may require surgery to correct head shape and provide room for the brain to grow. If there is a concern, they will refer you to a specialist for evaluation and possible CT scan. Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s head shape during visits to ensure proper growth and development. Surgery is sometimes needed but isn’t common.Ĭraniosynostosis – A rare congenital condition where the bones of the skull fuse together too soon. Treatment typically includes encouraging babies to improve their neck range of motion with stretches at home or physical therapy. You may notice your baby favors looking towards one side, which can mean torticollis is occurring. This may result from intrauterine positioning or occur over time as the baby grows. Torticollis – An abnormality - usually tightness - of the neck muscles, known as the sternocleidomastoid muscles. Most parents will notice flattening during the first three months, as newborns spend much of their early days sleeping on their backs. An estimated 50 percent of infants experience some degree of this, with approximately 20 percent developing flat spots due to positioning in utero or during vaginal delivery. Rest assured that these flat areas are cosmetic and do not put pressure on the baby’s brain. Plagiocephaly - Also referred to as a positional skull deformity or flat head syndrome, this occurs when a baby spends too much time in one position, resulting in a change in the shape of the head or flat spots. Since the bony plates of the skull don’t fully fuse together until age six, there are several factors that can cause abnormalities, including: But that malleability also makes it possible for head shape abnormalities like flat spots to develop. Their skulls are designed to accommodate this, along with that passage through the narrow birth canal during delivery. Babies’ brains nearly double in size during the first year of life. If you’ve noticed what appears to be a flat spot on your baby’s head, the first thing you should do is take a deep breath and realize it’s probably temporary and no danger to your child’s health. Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute.Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.Request an Appointment Quick Scheduling with a Specialist.Patient Information Information for patients and visitors.Health Information View our Content Hub.Find a Physician Find a physician that meets your needs.Find a Location Find a location near you. ![]() Pediatric Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging.Pediatric Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.Pediatric Behavioral Health and Development.Pediatric Specialties Learn more about our specialties. ![]()
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