Baby Flat Head Syndrome

Baby Flat Head Syndrome - Treatment & Prevention - Tips & Advice

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What Products Do You Really Need to Keep Your Baby’s Head from Flattening?

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products to keep your baby's head from flatteningIf you’ve been looking for ways to prevent flattening of your baby’s head, or help reverse flat spots that are already visible, you have probably come across many baby pillows and other products that can be used to assist you. It can be confusing to understand what products you really need and select the best ones for your baby.

In this article, we’ll talk about what types of products are most useful for preventing and treating this condition.

Products for night time sleeping

Your baby will spend a lot of time sleeping on his or her back while sleeping at night, and it is also a time where the baby is subject to the risk of SIDS, so this is probably the most important time to worry about.

Most baby pillows are not recommended to be used when your baby is unsupervised because of the risk of SIDS, so your options are limited. The only breathable pillow option I know if is the Mimos Pillow, which used to be available only in Europe (it has a European Safety certification as safe for children 0-3 years). This is a really comfortable pillow and since it’s breathable you don’t have to worry about suffocation.

If your baby sleeps in a crib, one of the best products I’ve seen (as well as used myself, although I didn’t get it until my baby was older) is the Lifenest Sleep System by Ubimed. The Lifenest fits securely on top of your crib mattress and has a mesh insert where the baby rests which has some give to it, and therefore does not put any pressure on a single spot of the baby’s head, but actually cradles it.

Products for naps and playtime

If you are able to supervise your baby during naps, you have a lot more options for products to use that are safe. The Clevamama Clevafoam baby pillow (full review here) is a great one, and I used to use this all the time when my son was on his play mat.  It dissipates the pressure from a hard surface because it is made up of memory foam.  It has a washable cover which is nice. My son still uses it as a pillow, it’s super comfortable for him. They even have a toddler version now!

clevamama pillow flat head.
Tummy time next to my Clevamama pillow!

Another product that I had and loved was the Babymoon pillow (read full review here), which can take the pressure off a flat spot (the “no pressure” method of repositioning) because of its ring-shaped design. It can also be used as a neck support in the car seat or stroller for your older baby or toddler.  The Boppy Noggin Nest can also be used for supervised naps.

Products for use in the car seat, bouncy seat, stroller, or swing

If you spend much time with your baby in the car, it is important to make sure that the car seat is not putting pressure on the back of your baby’s head. If your baby’s head is already showing signs of flattening, it is important to limit your use of bouncy seats and swings, but there are certainly times when you need to put your baby somewhere safe so you can do other things (like shower and prepare dinner!).  Therefore, it’s important to find a way to make sure the flattening is not made worse if your baby is in them.

The Babymoon pillow can also be used in a swing or bouncer, but I found it is a little too large to use in a car seat, since it will push your baby’s head too far forward. The Clevamama pillow can also be used if your baby is in a more reclined position, but it won’t work in a more upright position like the car seat.

Summer Infant Snuzzler ReviewIn the car, I used the Summer Infant Snuzzler (a photo is on the left – it’s just like the Kiddopotamus Head and Body Support), and really found it did a great job to keep my baby’s head safely supported.  He was small when he was born and really needed extra support in the car seat, which I also used in my Bob stroller so he was in the car seat quite a bit.  I just kept my Summer Snuzzler in the car seat all the time and used other products at home.

The Boppy Infant and Toddler Head Support is very similar but has more neck support with these little wings that go on each side of the neck.  You would only need one or the other.  These products do not affect the safety of the car seat in any way.

The Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support (full review here) is another really popular product and works really well in bouncy seats and swings.  It has a cut out hole and keeps pressure from being put on the back of the head from hard surfaces.

The Tortle Baby Beanie cap can be used while the baby is in the stroller or bouncer, and this new product looks really promising.  It has a roll that keeps the baby’s head slightly turned, and you can alternate sides so the pressure on one part of the baby’s head is not consistent.

Although this product was not available when my son was being treated for flat head syndrome, I have a couple of friends who were able to review the product for me and report back. See the full Tortle review here. One thing to note with this product is that it’s important to get the fit and size right, and the manufacturer recommends buying multiple sizes to accommodate your baby’s head as it grows (it’s very reasonably priced though).

You will likely only need one or two of these types of products for use in the car seat, stroller, and in seats and swings at home.  Most of them are inexpensive and you may find for convenience and also to vary the pressure on the head,  it’s better to have two or three different products.

Infant Seats

As your baby gets a little older, you will definitely want to use an infant seat as much as possible, as this keeps the pressure completely off the baby’s head.  It also helps the baby gain trunk strength, and they just love being able to sit up and see the world in a new position.  Infant seats are also great for feeding before your baby is really ready for a high chair.

There are two really good options for infant seats.  The Bumbo Seat is a classic and a popular choice.  It’s a nice single molded design that’s easy to clean. The downside is that it’s a little expensive, and you have to purchase the play tray separately, which makes it cost even more, and the tray doesn’t have any toys on it so you have to purchase those separately as well. Another problem is that babies outgrow them really quickly so the use is limited.

Summer 3 Stage Infant Seat Review
Fun in the Summer Infant Seat

The infant seat that I used and really loved is the Summer Infant 3-Stage SuperSeat. First of all, it’s less expensive than the Bumbo, and it includes a tray with toys on it that you can rotate around.  My son loved these toys, he would play with them for ages.

Another advantage is that it has an insert on the seat that you can take out so you can still use the chair as your baby gets bigger.  It also converts to a booster seat, which is lightweight and great for travel.  For less money, I think it’s a lot more versatile than the Bumbo.

Note:  for safety, it’s recommended that you use these seats on the floor.

Exersaucers and Activity Centers

As your baby grows and develops, you’ll want to find ways to continue to keep the pressure off the head during play time. Exersaucers or activity centers are a great way to do that. Doctors and developmental specialists are advising against walkers and bouncers these days, but an exersaucer is a great way for your baby to safely have fun.

It’s a lifesaver when you need to put your baby someplace safe while you do something else (like make dinner!). I had a very similar activity center to the Baby Einstein Neptune Activity center (mine was also a Baby Einstein but I don’t think they make that model anymore).  My son and I both absolutely loved it, it kept him occupied for ages! We started using this when he was about five months old, and at fourteen months (he is not walking yet) he still loved it and never got bored with the toys.

Wraps, slings, and carriers

Wraps, slings, and carriers are a great way to keep pressure off the back of your baby’s head, and also to keep your hands free while you do other things!  For more information on these products including how to use babywearing to prevent or treat flat head syndrome, please see our article on this topic. Here are some of the most popular ones:

Babybjorn baby carrier

ERGObaby carrier

Moby wrap

Maya wrap

Balboa Baby Dr. Sears Adjustable Sling

 

If you found this article helpful, please share it!  Thank you!

More to come….

I’ll be posting more information here about other useful products.

In the meantime, please leave a comment and let us know what products you’ve found helpful and which ones just a waste of money!

Note:  The information in this article represents my honest opinion about these products. Some of the product links in this article are affiliate links, in which case this website will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on these links.  These commissions are used to maintain this website and its contents.  A percentage of any profits made will be donated to a fund for parents whose babies need a helmet but cannot afford it.  Thank you for your understanding and support.

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Clevamama ClevaFoam Baby Pillow Review

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Clevamama Baby Pillow is a great product because it can protect the round shape of the baby’s soft head. It is suitable for young babies because it is lightweight, breathable and has been shown to reduce heat retention. It is important to note that babies should not be left unattended while the pillow is being used in the crib in order to help prevent suffocation and SIDS.  If your infant is developing a flat spot on the head, you should definitely take a closer look at this product.

I loved using the Clevamama baby pillow when my son (who had a combination of plagiocephaly and brachycephaly) was lying on his playmat.  We have hardwood floors and it provided extra cushion to protect his head. I also used to bathe him in our kitchen sink, so I would put the pillow down on the counter when I changed him and got him wrapped in his towel after his bath. It has the feel of a really nice quality memory foam pillow. I love to sleep on memory foam so I have to think babies would find it comfortable as well.

When my son got a little older he slept on this pillow for several years, he loves it and obviously thinks it’s very comfortable, and now they even have a toddler pillow version! It’s very reasonably priced and we certainly got a ton of use out of ours. We also travel with ours, here’s my son at almost 4 years old using his in the car.

4 year old plagiocephaly brachycephaly

Clevamama Baby Pillow Features and Benefits:

  • Clevamama Baby Pillow is designed to keep a baby’s head and spine in correct alignment
  • Designed to protect the round shape of a baby’s soft head
  • Increases airflow
  • Draws away moisture
  • Lightweight
  • Breathable
  • Shipping weight is 2.8 pounds
  • Dimensions: 40cm (L) x 23cm (W) x 3.5cm (D)
  • Model # 1201

 

Clevamama Baby Pillow Pros:

The pillow is very soft and comfortable for baby. Made with Airflow™, which will draw away moisture and increase airflow, it is a relief to parents looking to help babies who may typically sweat a lot during sleep. The pillow is made from ClevaFoamä, which is scientifically proven to help protect baby’s skull.

When a sleeping baby has the correct alignment of skull and spine he or she will have a more restful sleep. The pillow can even reverse the appearance of baby flat head for babies that have already developed this condition.

Clevamama Baby Pillow Cons:

It is possible that the occasional baby may still continue to sweat despite the design of this pillow. My son didn’t have this problem (and we are in Florida). A downside is that this has not been proven to be safe for use with young infants while sleeping without supervision.

Clevamama Baby Pillow Recommendation:

The Clevamama Pillow is recommended for use with babies who have already experienced a flattening of their baby’s head or in cases where parents wish to prevent flat head syndrome from occurring. In addition, parents interested in assuring that the baby has the proper alignment of skull and spine may especially be interested in this pillow. I found this pillow very helpful whenever my baby was resting on his back on a harder surface, such as his playmat.

You can find the Clevamama ClevaFoam Baby Pillow on Amazon. If you make a purchase on Amazon after clicking on the link, a portion of the sale will go to this website, and be used to maintain the site and its contents. A percentage of any profits will be donated to a fund for parents whose babies need a helmet but cannot afford it. Thank you.

See our other product reviews here.

If you have tried the Clevamama Baby Pillow, please leave a comment below and let us know what you think of it!

If you would like updates on the latest news about flat head syndrome, advice from experts, and stories from other parents, as well as our free book about how to do tummy time and make it fun for your baby, please enter your email below.  We promise not to make your information available to anyone else.

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ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket Product Review

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ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket Product Review.I think the ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket is one of the most innovative products I’ve seen for preventing flat spots on a baby’s head.  My son was a very good sleeper as an infant, and it was hard to counteract the time he spent resting on his head at night with the repositioning and tummy time I was doing when I was supervising him.

Most of the products on the market today are not recommended for use while sleeping because of the risk of SIDS.  This product is actually designed for use while the baby is asleep.

ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket is designed to help prevent flat head syndrome in infants.This particular product is designed to always be away from the baby’s face even if the baby should roll over.

Parents and caregivers should note that the product is made to be used on a flat, firm surface that does not contain loose bedding or cushioned items near it and baby must be placed on the product while lying on his or her back and is to be used while under adult supervision and not used after baby learns how to roll over.

ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket Features:

  • The ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket is designed for use by babies between the ages of birth and 6 months and prior to having the ability to roll over
  • Design that incorporates both safety and practicality with added attention to preventing suffocation
  • Aid for easy diapering
  • Hypoallergenic flame resistant materials
  • Designed to be worn by the baby as a garment and placed on the back position only
  • Item is machine washable but must be washed separately
  • Product weighs 8 ounces
  • Dimensions: 17 x 32 x 2 inches
  • Model # sgpwearwhite

 

ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket Pros:

Babies love being in the blanket and the fact that by wearing the item it is also preventing flat head syndrome that is a wonderful plus. It is great that a parent invented this item. There is no possibility for the pillow to slip, as is so often the case with other baby flat head products.

The product was created out of the necessity for a product that would be efficient, practical, prevent or improve the condition of flat head syndrome without increasing the danger of suffocation. The product really does fit this critical need.

ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket Cons:

To date, no cons have been discovered about this product.

 

ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket Recommendation:

 

The ShapeGuard Pillow Wearable Blanket is highly recommended by parents to anyone with a baby age birth to 6 months who has not yet learned how to roll over. Babies really seem to enjoy using it and adults like that it prevents flat head syndrome while decreasing the risk for SIDS.

If you have used the ShapeGuard Blanket, please share your feedback in the comments below!  Thank you.

 

Complete information about preventing and treating flat head syndrome including positional plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and torticollis can be found in our ebook, “The Complete Guide to Flat Head Syndrome in Infants”.  Please check it out!

If you would like updates on the latest news about flat head syndrome, advice from experts, and stories from other parents, as well as our free book about ways to do tummy time and make it fun for your baby, please enter your email below.  We promise not to make your information available to anyone else.

 

Note:  if you purchase a product at Amazon after clicking on the links here, we will get a small commission that will be used to cover the costs of creating and maintaining the content of this site.  A portion of any profits will be donated to help parents whose babies need a helmet but cannot afford it.  Thank you!

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BabyMoon Pillow Review – for Flat Head Syndrome and Neck Support

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Mateus babymoon pillow in carseat

The babymoon pillow can be used as a travel pillow for toddlers

BabyMoon Pillow Cons:

There really isn’t much to say in the way of a negative about the BabyMoon product. If one had to come up with something it may be that the price could be a little lower but because so many people seem to really like the product the benefits usually outweigh any hesitancy about the price.

Still, I feel the price is very reasonable given the usefulness of the product and that fact that it can still be used when your baby grows into a toddler.

BabyMoon Pillow Recommendation:

The BabyMoon pillow is highly recommended for all babies and especially for those who have been seen by a pediatrician or physical therapist and have been diagnosed with flat head.

Any parent who suspects a baby of having flat head should give this pillow a try because it is less expensive than having to eventually use a helmet to correct flat head and not all insurance companies cover the cost which would then have to be out of pocket for you.

This pillow can also be used for neck support during travel (in a car seat or stroller for example), making it a versatile product.

If you have used the BabyMoon pillow, please share your impressions in the comments below!

The BabyMoon Pillow – For Head Support & Neck Support (Blue) is available for purchase on Amazon. Other colors are available as well.

See our other product reviews here.

 

If you would like updates on the latest news about flat head syndrome, advice from experts, and stories from other parents, as well as our free book about ways to do tummy time and make it fun for your baby, please enter your email below.  We promise not to make your information available to anyone else.

 

Note:  if you purchase a product at Amazon after clicking on the links here, we will get a small commission that will be used to cover the costs of creating and maintaining the content of this site. A portion of any profits will be donated to help parents whose babies need a helmet but cannot afford it.  Thank you!

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Lifenest Sleep System by Ubimed Product Review

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Lifenest Sleep System by Ubimed Product ReviewI personally used the Lifenest Sleep System with my son and loved it.  It gave me real peace of mind that if my baby did roll over in his sleep, he would still be able to breathe. Unfortunately I didn’t start using it until he was already close to six months old, and I really wish I had known about it from the time he was born, because I think it would have helped a lot with his head shape.

Even though I only used it a couple of months before he got too big and started rolling off it, I still think it was a worthwhile investment and would recommend it to others.

The Lifenest Sleep System by Ubimed is a wellness product designed to give a supportive sleeping surface that is curved and has a inclined netting that cushions baby’s back of head preventing baby flat head syndrome and also allows baby to breathe should the baby flip from a back sleeping position to the stomach.

This is a revolutionary mesh hammock system that is made in such a way as to encourage babies to sleep on their backs without being restrictive to a baby’s movements during sleep and thus is very relaxing for the baby. Where and how the baby sleeps is a major decision for expectant and new parents. Reading reviews like this one will help make an informed decision about this very important piece of baby nursery equipment.

 

lifenest product review - in crib
The Lifenest Sleep System fits in a full size crib

Lifenest Sleep System Features:

  • Babies breathe easier even if they flip over because of supportive inclined hypoallergenic netting (dust mite free)
  • Encourages baby to sleep on back
  • Intended for babies age birth through 5 months old with a maximum weight of 20 lbs
  • Zippered bag-shaped coversheets, handy for keeping it clean
  • The hammock portion of the system is a curved surface that cuddles the baby
  • Helps to prevent plagiocephaly (baby flat head syndrome)
  • Coversheet is machine washable
  • Model # SPM001UB1A
  • Dimension: 33.4 x 27.5 x 5.2 inches
  • Product weighs 7.3 pounds

 

Lifenest Sleep System Pros:

The item is very easy to clean, transport and setup. Baby seems comfortable and sleeps longer than when on a traditional crib mattress. Parents love the mesh because the “air-holes” give them reassurance that baby will keep breathing normally even if he/she turns over.

It is wonderful to travel with the Lifenest and know that wherever baby is sleeping the sleep will be safe and comfortable.  Another big plus is that it provides ventilation to keep the baby cool during warm weather, and babies sleep better when the room is cooler as well. Just remember if it is cold to dress your baby appropriately when he or she is sleeping.

Lifenest Sleep System Cons:

Some parents are experiencing difficulty positioning the baby correctly in order to prevent the baby from sliding downward. It is important to read instructions before using any infant equipment or furniture to prevent things from happening that could be dangerous.

lifenest review photo in crib.

I personally put a couple of books under the crib mattress (not just under the Lifenest but under the entire mattress, kind of like you would do if your baby had reflux) to counteract the slope and I had no problems with my baby sliding down. My son was older when I used it and more mobile, a younger baby would likely stay positioned in the system better.  It actually worked perfectly when he was still swaddled with no sliding at all.

It can be expensive to purchase additional sheets for the Lifenest Sleep System so buyer needs to be aware of this additional expense, but I found them definitely worth the extra cost.

The last thing you want is to have a mess in the middle of the night and no extra sheet available!   Although most people do not end up transporting the LifenestÔ, to do so can be difficult as it is bulky. Ubimed cautions that LifeNestÔ should never be used anywhere other than in a crib, which is where it was designed to be used.

Lifenest Sleep System Recommendation:

The Lifenest is recommended for use as a mattress topper (sits on top of a regular crib mattress) to be used to provide additional air circulation and to help prevent baby flat head syndrome. The majority of those reviewing this product after they have purchased and used it with their babies would recommend it to friends or buy it to give as a baby gift.  I personally loved this product and only wish I had started using it when my baby was younger.

See our other product reviews here.

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Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support Review

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One of the most popular and economical products to help prevent or treat Flat Head Syndrome in your baby is the Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support. Many parents have reported success in reducing pressure using the Noggin Nest as part of their repositioning strategy.

I didn’t use the Noggin Nest when my baby was young, but that is only because I didn’t find out about it until he was older. If I had known about it, I definitely would have used this product based on all the great things I’ve heard from others who have used it.

Parents, grandparents and caregivers buying for young babies are often conscientious about seeking products that are designed to support and cradle the baby’s head which is why it is important to read this review about Boppy Noggin NestÒ Head Support in order to discover a product that can be used in various infant devices while giving comfort and relieving pressure on the head at the same time.

The unique patented design of the Noggin NestÒ head support guards against flat spots on the head. This boppy is used by parents seeking a durable, easy to clean, supportive boppy to use while their baby is on his/her back in a stroller, swing or bouncer.

Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support Features:

  • Cutout hole designed to raise baby’s head slightly to avoid it lying against a hard surface
  • Side padding also supports the baby
  • Comfortable for baby
  • Lightweight, easy to clean and durable
  • To be used when baby is in a reclined position such as when in a stroller, swing or bouncer

Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support Pros:

This product works great when it comes to supporting a newborn’s wobbly head. It is comfortable for the baby, and there are many posting reviews about how it has helped round a baby’s head after having a flat head for some time.

It has also been beneficial to use it when baby seems to favor one side over the other to the detriment of a noticeable flatter side of the head on the side (plagiocephaly), as well as preventing hair loss from repeated pressure in the same area. Once the baby has been using the Bobby for a while, the hair has begun to return and the head appears more rounded.

Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support Cons:

Not intended to be used in a crib or bassinet, which is a temptation to do anyways.

Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support Recommendation:

The Boppy Noggin Nest Head Support receives mostly 5 star ratings on Amazon and for good reason because there is so much to love about this product. It is comfortable for baby, is durable and easy to clean.

It does support the infant head when in a reclined position so those who have purchased it for their own baby or to give as a baby gift recommend it. Physical therapists and pediatricians have also recommended it to help relieve flat head in babies. For a very reasonable price, this product is worth using.

If you have used the Boppy Noggin Nest, please share your experiences by leaving a comment below. See our other product reviews here.

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