Cranial Technologies

While almost half of all infants have some degree of plagiocephaly, noticing it in your child can be discouraging for parents. Flat spots are common and they are successfully treated every day. However, every family and baby is different, if you have concerns about your child’s head shape, be sure to discuss them with your pediatrician. You may wonder where to start, when is the best time to get treatment, and how long to wait before seeking it.

Plagiocephaly can range from mild to severe, and your baby may exhibit signs of plagiocephaly that parents should be on the lookout for. Parents should watch carefully for head-turning preferences, abnormal neck or muscle tightness, asymmetries to the face, and of course, flattening on the back or side of the head. Baby’s skulls are soft, and grow rapidly, meaning flat spots can form quickly. Parents should check early and often to catch plagiocephaly early so it can be treated as successfully as possible.

Baby’s heads are soft at birth, but quickly grow and harden over the first 2 years of life. Once the skull has fully grown, treatments like physical therapy and helmet therapy are unable to correct abnormalities. Much of the head growth happens within the first 6 months of life. During this time it is much easier for a baby to develop a flat spot because of the softness of the head. However, it is also much easier to correct a flat spot during this time than after 7 months of age.

Early intervention helps ensure that a flat spot can be corrected with optimal results. Depending on the severity of the head shape, treatment time can range greatly.

Seeking treatment for plagiocephaly early can ensure the best results and the shortest treatment time. Treatment time can differ due to the baby's age and severity of head shape, but routinely checking establishes your child the smoothest way forward - so don’t hesitate!

What do you do if you notice a flat spot or head shape abnormality? First, remember you are not alone. Plagiocephaly is common, and many families deal with it every day. As soon as you notice the flat spot, bring this concern to your pediatrician.

If the spot is mild, and your baby does not exhibit any symptoms such as torticollis or muscle tightness, your pediatrician may recommend a repositioning program if your baby is under 4 months of age. Repositioning your baby and using prevention efforts like limiting the use of car seats and carriers can help your baby’s head round out on its own. If there is neck tightness your doctor may refer you to physical therapy.

If the flat spot is still present at 4 months, or worsening, it may be time to seek alternate treatment. Your pediatrician may recommend helmet therapy to correct the flat spot.

Baby helmet companies like Cranial Technologies, provide helmet therapy with the DOC Band®. Cranial Tech’s helmet therapy involves the use of a lightweight band that gently redirects growth to correct a flat spot in as little as 4 to 6 weeks. Cranial Technologies offers no-cost consultations. If you have a concern, you can come into one of the 100+ locations to ask questions, get support, and leave with a comprehensive report of your baby’s head shape.

Remember, you are your child’s best advocate, if you are concerned, bring these questions to your pediatrician. Keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel it’s necessary.

It's important to stay informed about your baby's development and to address any concerns early on. Flat spots, or plagiocephaly, are common and can be managed effectively with the right interventions.