Plagiocephaly Archives - Baby Flat Head Syndrome

Best Advice to New Parents About Plagiocephaly

Being a new parent is one of the most stressful jobs you will ever do. Keeping baby safe and happy can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task. Generally, with some time and practice every parent becomes a pro. When something like a medical issue occurs, what is a new parent to do?

In this article, we will offer up our best advice to new moms and dads about plagiocephaly.

Understand the Facts About Plagiocephaly

You know that saying “knowing is half the battle”? When it comes to baby flat head syndrome, this is spot on. In many cases a diagnosis of baby flat head syndrome comes because parents were under or mis-informed about how to prevent it. This is why simply understanding what causes plagiocephaly can make a huge difference in whether an infant experiences head flattening.

Don’t Overthink It

Avoiding this diagnosis can be as simple as using a little common sense. If it feels like baby is spending too much time laying in one head position, do something to change that. Overthinking it can lead to unnecessary stress and worry.

Keep an Eye on Baby’s Head Shape

Ok, this is an obvious one, but one worth mentioning. When you bath your baby take a look at the back and sides of her head and check for signs of flattening. Remember that flattening occurs in many infants and will not always require extensive treatment. Be on the lookout for changes and note any flattening.

When in Doubt, Talk with Baby’s Doctor

Pediatricians are very well versed in the details of baby flat head syndrome. They understand the worry that new parents experience and can help dispel stress and anxiety about the potential condition. If you have any concerns about preventing flattening or whether baby needs treatment, talk to your child’s pediatrician and put your mind at ease.

Trust Your Instinct

Another quote that you may have heard is “mother knows best”. Moms and dads have an inherent ability to know when something is wrong. If you have a feeling that baby may need to be checked out, trust that instinct and make an appointment with a doctor.

Baby flat head syndrome can sound like a stressful thing for baby’s and their parents, but it doesn’t have to be. There are some simple steps parents can take to avoid it altogether. If baby does experience flattening, treatment options are better than ever.

Best Plagiocephaly Treatments in 2018

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According to a recent study conducted at Seattle Children’s hospital, Plagiocephaly or Baby Flat Head Syndrome effects almost half of the infants – with 46.6 percent of babies in the study have some degree of flattening. This trend is in large part due to the 1992 referendum known as Back to Sleep. The campaign worked to minimize the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) when babies sleep on their stomachs. While the rise of baby flat head syndromes increases, the rate of SIDS has significantly improved.

It’s clear that this is a valuable tradeoff. However, if you are facing the impact of plagiocephaly in your child, it might leave you wondering about the best treatment. Let’s take a look at some of the best Plagiocephaly Treatments in 2018.

Repositioning Can Help in Mild Plagiocephaly Cases

While repositioning might not be enough in more severe cases, moving baby into different positions throughout the day can alleviate symptoms in mild and sometimes moderate cases. Many babies have a preference on what direction they face when they sleep or play, so shifting these positions can help keep baby from spending too much time laying on one side of their skull.

Don’t Forget Tummy Time

Once babies are old enough to control the muscles in their neck and start raising their head off the ground they are ready for tummy time. Tummy time comes in many different shapes and sizes, depending upon the needs of baby and parents. Some of our favorites include:

• Simply roll and receiving blanket in a roll and place it under baby’s breastbone. This will help support the proper position.
• Place baby across your knees and allow her to lift her head.
• The Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym includes a great tummy time bolster pillow to make tummy time easy and fun.
• The Infantino Prop-A-Pillar Tummy Time & Seated Support doubles as both a tummy time pillow and a spot for baby to sit when he gets a little older.

The most important thing to remember when doing tummy time is that baby MUST be supervised at all times.

Baby Wearing to Treat Baby Flat Head Syndrome

In some mild cases, the answer to repositioning and avoiding laying on one side is to take up with the baby wearing craze. Wearing your baby in a sling, carries or wrap means less time spent laying on their back. While babywearing isn’t for every parent, it might be a great temporary fix to allow the skull to reshape. Some popular babywearing options include:

• The Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling – by CuddleBug comes in a range of colors and allows several positions for baby
• Boba Wraps are another easy to use wrap option for successful babywearing
• The Ergobaby 360 is a great carrier that gives parents multiple ways to wear baby comfortably.

Cranial Orthosis or Repositioning Helmets

In moderate to severe cases of baby flat head syndrome, a helmet might be a must to help reshape babies head and protect her development. At one time there was a fear factor about these helmets and their purpose, but as more babies are diagnosed with the condition, more people are well informed about why babies need them. Babies will generally wear their specially molded helmet 23 hours a day for an average of 3 months. For many new parents these helmets initially seem like quite an imposition, but most quickly find that babies don’t really mind wearing them.

What Is Early Intervention and How Can It Help?

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If your child is showing symptoms of flattening of the head or your doctor has already diagnosed your baby with plagiocephaly, you may have heard about something called EI or Early Intervention. You may know they are a resource you can use, but what exactly is Early Intervention and how can they help your family.

What is Early Intervention?

Each state supports an organization that helps children and families deal with medical, developmental and other issues. Most often the age range for eligibility for EI services is birth to 3 years old. Each state offers this free or low cost service to families who meet eligibility criteria.

Most state EI programs offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, speech therapy and other important services either in the home or daycare center. The goal is to treat young children where they are most comfortable to make the most progress in their early years.

How do I initiate the process?

If you have suspicion that your child might be suffering from baby flat head syndrome, EI is one of the places you can reach out to for help and guidance. Each state has an office, usually run by the state department of health. Parents can contact their state EI agency and request an assessment if they feel their children need help.

What role can EI play in plagiocephaly treatment?

Early Intervention Specialists and therapists can play a number of roles in the treatment of plagiocephaly. They can help assess whether further treatment is warranted and help you find the right doctors and orthotists to treat your baby. In less severe cases they can help create a repositioning protocol and physical therapy regiment to avoid advancement of the symptoms.

How do I start working with EI?

It’s as simple as a phone call or registering online (in some states). A team will come meet with your family to get a sense of your needs. From there they will create a plan and a team of specialists who can help you and your baby.

What happens while working with an EI Therapist?

Therapists will come into the home or child care facility and work hands with your child. By helping strengthen muscles and finding better positioning, EI therapists have a host of tips and tools. EI interventionists work with many families dealing with baby flat head syndrome. Many parents note that these therapists are some of the best resources available.

Can Early Intervention really help?

The in-home team approach can make all the difference in the world when it comes to plagiocephaly treatment. Their goal is to not only help your child, but also support and teach you along the way.

Early Intervention programs are a great resource for many pediatric issues. In the case of plagiocephaly an EI therapist can be a wonderful resource in a number of areas. From helping with physical or occupational therapy to helping your family deal with cranial remolding therapy, EI is there to help your child’s condition improve. Still not sure? You can always talk with your child’s pediatrician about whether EI is a good fit for your families needs.

Does All Plagiocephaly Look the Same?

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When your child’s pediatrician first speaks the word – plagiocephaly – it can be a scary time as a parent. Questions begin to swim around in your mind and knowing which to ask can be a daunting task. Once the dust settles on this new diagnosis you can start to piece together the next best step.

In order to choose the right treatment options for your baby it is very helpful to fully understand the diagnosis. By know you already know that plagiocephaly is baby flat head syndrome. It is a flattening in the skull that occurs for a number of potential reasons. Most commonly the diagnosis stems from too much time spent laying on one side of the head. The diagnosis of this disorder began to grow exponentially after the “Back to Sleep Campaign” took hold to help avoid the devastating effects of SIDS. The campaign has saved the lives of many infants.

There are several other medical conditions that can lead to a diagnosis of baby flat head syndrome. This look article will help you better understand your baby’s diagnosis and all of the medical jargon associated. Here we will take a look at the difference between frontal and occipital plagiocephaly.

What is Anterior Plagiocephaly?

Anterior plagiocephaly or frontal plagiocephaly make up a small percentage of diagnosed cases. Premature closing of a coronal suture generally causes this kind of plagiocephaly. These sutures are the spaces between the skull that are open at birth to allow the brain to grow and develop. When one of these sutures closes to early it can lead to plagiocephaly.

What is Occipital Plagiocephaly?

The more common type of plagiocephaly is the occipital or posterior variety. A small number stem from a craniosynostosis (premature closing of a skull suture), most are caused by positional pressure. Because baby spends a large amount of time lying on her back, the skull becomes slightly misshapen.

How are these types of plagiocephaly treated?

Surgery is often the first course of treatment for anterior plagiocephaly. Surgeons make a micro-incision and create space for the brain to grow and the skull to expand. While it sounds very frightening for a baby to undergo surgery at the young age of 3-6 months, the surgery is done commonly with very positive outcomes.

Occipital plagiocephaly is treated based on the severity of the malformation. In mild cases, a doctor may prescribe a course of repositioning therapy where baby changes which side of the head she lies on. This might include the use of babywearing, swings, bouncers and moving to various spots. Obviously, in more pronounced cases cranial remolding using a special helmet or band might be warranted for a course of a couple to a few months.

How do I know which my baby has?

When your child’s pediatrician makes the initial diagnosis they will usually take the time to explain the cause and potential treatments for the flat head syndrome. It is helpful to follow up with the doctor once you have more information and know what questions you want to ask. Working closely with your doctor will help you fully understand what to expect.

Why Is Your Baby Wearing That? A Guide to Answering Questions About Cranial Remolding

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Any parent who has lived through cranial remolding therapy can recount the silly, strange and sometimes weird plagiocephaly questions that people ask. Looking back most parents develop a sense of humor about the experience and recall those questions with a laugh. However, in the moment these questions can feel like an intrusion. Even the most well meaning family member can ask a question that stings. Here we will look at some of those questions and some favorite responses. Whether you want to use those moments to educate or offer a quick laugh, it’s up to you!

Question #1: What is your baby wearing?

This is probably the most common from kids and adults. There is natural curiosity about cranial remolding helmets and bands. This question can sometimes create an opportunity to educate.

The Medical Response: It is a band (or helmet) that helps gently support the proper shape of my baby’s skull. It doesn’t hurt and helps her stay safe and healthy.

The Comic Response: She has a fashion sense all her own already and we are letting her show it. (Remember, many helmets and bands can now be customized!)

Question #2: Why does your baby need that?

This is another commonly asked question, as many people have never heard of plagiocephaly.

The Medical Response: Her skull has a slightly irregular shape and this helmet/band is gently shaping her head so she can grow normally.

The Comic Response: Scientists say that these special helmets can help her develop sonic hearing and a genius IQ, we figured why question science?

Question #3: Doesn’t that hurt her?

There is a natural human instinct to protect babies. Their innocence and perceived fragility makes their safety a priority. This instinct is what prompts some more inquisitive people to ask this question. Whether it’s a concerned family member or a prying stranger there are two ways you can answer this question.

The Medical Response: Not at all. Her orthotist took careful measurements to make sure that her helmet fits her like a glove. In fact after she started wearing it, she hardly seems to notice it.

The Comic Response: Nah, she has a super high pain tolerance.

Question #4: Why did you let you baby lay on her back so much?

This question is a lot harder to answer for many parents. While parents are doing the absolute right thing in putting their baby on their back to keep them safe, plagiocephaly is an unfortunate outcome of this safety measure. Even though parents might know this some still experience a level of guilt about the diagnosis.

The Medical Response: Unfortunately many babies are diagnosed with this disorder in the US because of the back to sleep campaign. While more babies are experiencing flat head syndrome, much fewer are dying than ever before due to SIDS. I did what I needed to do to keep her safe.

The Comic Response: Ok, so maybe put aside the urge to be snarky and remind others to mind their own business. Instead try – I like to sleep on my back and my head is nice and round, see (turning around to show the back of your head).

Question #5: Does she have to wear that all day?

When parents first hear that their baby will be wearing their cranial remodeling device for 23 hours a day it can sound like a lot. But when it means baby can complete their treatment in a matter of months it is well worth it.

The Medical Response: She wears her device most of the day but thankfully it is very comfortable. She will only need it for a short period of time and then her treatment will be done forever.

The Comic Response: She’s pretty mature so we let her wear it when she feels like it.

So whether you want to educate or give a laugh, there will probably be plenty of opportunities. While it might seem like someone is being nosy or prying they might just be curious. Since plagiocephaly effects only 20-25% of babies who sleep on their back most people are uneducated on the diagnosis and treatment. Parents can use these questions from family and strangers to help spread the word about plagiocephaly.

Potential Outcomes of Skipping Cranial Remolding Therapy

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Your pediatrician recently diagnosed your baby with plagiocephaly and it’s up to you as the parent to figure out what is your next step. Perhaps your child’s flat head syndrome is mild enough that your doctor suggested repositioning as the first course of action. But what happens when the doctor thinks that cranial remolding therapy is a must? The question is – do you have the right to say no and what will happen if you do.

Can you refuse remolding therapy?

As the parent you are the person ultimately responsible for deciding what is best for your baby. It is up to you to balance information provided by your pediatrician with what you think is right. So, yes – you do have the right to try other treatment courses like repositioning and physical therapy before helmet therapy. Ideally your child’s doctor is someone you trust. If you have questions about the best course of treatment you can also consider a second opinion from a specialist.

Should you refuse remolding therapy?

Hearing something is “wrong” with your baby isn’t easy. In fact, it’s downright scary. When your doctor recommends your baby wear a medical device nearly round the clock it compounds the fear and worry. In reality, plagiocephaly treatments are generally much easier and more comfortable than most parents anticipate. The time that baby is required to participate in the therapy is usually very brief. The helmets and bands currently available are lightweight, breathable and more comfortable than they often look. It’s important to consider each angle when making a decision.

What will happen without cranial remolding treatment?

The real question that most parents want to ask is what will happen if they do not complete cranial remolding therapy. This is a legitimate question to ask. In some mild cases this treatment can be avoided in favor of repositioning. This means to move baby’s position throughout the day to make sure she never spends too much time lying on one side. In more severe cases, this may not be enough.

Potential physical outcomes

Physiological outcomes are largely based on the severity of the diagnosis. If you child has a very mild case of baby flat head syndrome, the pediatrician may prescribe a course of repositioning therapy. When the flattening is mild the skull will generally grow typically over time. If the case is more severe and goes untreated it can lead to more outward symptoms. Some of the possibilities include:

– Mild to moderate facial asymmetry
– An open mouth posture
– Problems with eating and drinking
– Shortening of neck or trunk muscles
– Decreased strength
– Misshaping of the skull

While these are by no means a likely outcome, in moderate to severe cases of infant plagiocephaly, they are possible if the flattening is left untreated.

Possible developmental outcomes

In addition to physical symptoms, there are possible developmental implications. Studies have shown that baby flat head syndrome can lead to a number of developmental issues, specifically when no treatment is provided. The delays include both fine and gross motor delays and delays in reaching typical childhood milestones. The data suggests that when children receive timely and appropriate treatment for the diagnosis, the delays are minimal.

So in the end, parents have plenty of say in how their son or daughters plagiocephaly diagnosis will be treated. When flattening is in the moderate to severe range cranial remodeling may be the best course of treatment. It is important to work with the pediatrician to find a balance between comfort and the best treatment.

How Do I Know When to Talk to the Pediatrician About Plagiocephaly?

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Maybe you are a first time parent or maybe you have other children but never noticed head flattening before. Perhaps a friend or relative commented on the shape of your infant’s head. Regardless, you may wonder how flat is too flat when it comes to your infants head. Here are some helpful hints to help you determine when it’s time to make an appointment and talk to the pediatrician.

Monitor Your Baby’s Head Shape

A good first step when thinking about whether you need to talk to a doctor is to take a good long look at the shape of your baby’s head. One way is to enlist the help of a spouse or other family member to hold baby while you carefully observe. Have that other person hold baby quietly in their lap so you can look at the head shape from above, behind and face-to-face. Look for things like flattening and asymmetry. A typical head shape for an infant would be approximately 1/3 longer than it is wide. Babies experiencing flat head syndrome may have a head shape that appears flat on one side, wide towards the back, or long and thinner than normal.

Monitor Any Changes in Shape

Another important part of the process is to monitor your baby’s head shape. If you begin to offer baby more time upright, on her tummy or in a carrier you may notice a reduction in the flattening. However if you feel like it is advancing, make an appointment and have baby evaluated by a doctor.

Check Baby’s Ear Alignment

Another telltale sign of flat head syndrome is misalignment of the ears. If you place baby in your lap and place your fingers at the same spot on each ear you can look to see if your fingers are aligned. If they are spread wide apart this is a good sign that you should make an appointment to have baby assessed.

Take a look at Baby’s Facial Symmetry

Facial symmetry is another way to determine the severity of baby’s head flattening. Because you look at baby every day, you might not even see a lack of symmetry. To check for symmetry you might want to ask a friend or family member to help you. Using a mirror look at baby’s face and check for things like eye shape or cheek fullness. If you begin to notice that things are slightly asymmetrical, this would be another sign you should make an appointment for baby to be seen.

When in Doubt, Talk to a Professional

All parents know that when you are in doubt, pediatricians welcome questions and concerns. By working with your child’s doctor you can start the process of evaluating and treating flat head syndrome.

Plagiocephaly is a highly treatable condition with the great possibility of no long-term impact on baby. That being said, it is best to start treatment as early as possible. So if you have concerns, talk with your pediatrician and put baby on the path to healthy development.