Baby Flat Head Syndrome

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

6 Tummy Time Products to Eliminate Flat Head Syndrome

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Tummy-time-products We have all heard that from a very young age it is important to introduce tummy time for the growth and development of our babies. Tummy time is an important part of baby’s day for a number of reasons. It helps to strengthen the muscles in their necks, tummies and backs. It also helps them to approximate a crawling motion and it also gets baby off of their back. Spending too much time lying on their back’s can lead to plagiocephaly, or flat head syndrome. This list outlines some of the best Tummy Time Products to help get baby on their tummy and enjoy doing it.

Best Activity Mats for Tummy Time Fun

Infantino Peek and Play Tummy Time Activity Mat is a low cost, highly rated option to engage baby while building their muscles. This great tummy time product includes a textured monkey teether and crinkly elephant to encourage baby to reach and grab while on their stomach. It also has a removable mirror, padded bolster for extra support. The stimulating colors, textures and patterns will help keep baby happy on their tummy for the recommended length of time.

Bright Starts Flowers and Friends Prop Mat, Pink is another helpful option to encourage baby to spend more time on her tummy and less on her back. This colorful, cute prop mat sports a cute character prop pillow that helps make tummy time and enjoyable time for parents and babies. There is a prop up activity center with a mirror, colorful characters, rattles and teethers.

VTech Baby Lil’ Critters Musical Glow Gym offers a few more bells and whistles, but has a slightly higher price tag. This gym provides baby with the opportunity to go from tummy time, to exploring on their back to sit and play mode. There are three fun electronic modes that play music and sounds. The colorful activity panel features a fun piano to help baby reach and stretch while on her tummy.

Best Pillows and Bolsters for Tummy Time

Boppy Tummy Time Pillow, Sea Explorers Gray has been around for a long time and shows no signs of slowing. The Boppy began life as a nursing pillow to help moms comfortably nurse their little ones. It quickly developed into an all around gem. Now moms use it as a tummy time pillow, a nursing pillow and a spot for baby to hang out. The Boppy Tummy Time Pillow is a smaller version of the original that has a sideline ring toy attachment system where you can tether baby’s favorite toys and keep them involved.

Baby Einstein Rhythm of The Reef Prop Pillow provides baby with all around fun. It can initially be used as a prop to support baby while doing tummy time. As baby gets older and stronger they can use it as a teether, a rattle and a crinkle toy.

Fisher-Price Comfort Vibe Play Wedge invites baby to play with colorful characters and plenty to do. The crescent-shaped wedge is designed to grow with baby, providing support for tummy time and sit and play time. It also allows parents to link toys within baby’s reach.

Tummy time has come a long way from a rolled up blanket on the floor. Now babies can have their own fun play gym to keep them engaged and on their tummies longer. It no longer needs to be a struggle to get baby off of their back.

Current Treatment Options for Babies with Plagiocephaly

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treatment options for plagiocephalyIf your baby had been diagnosed with plagiocephaly you might find that there are current treatment options with more variance than you originally thought. These are some of the most current treatment options for babies with varying severity levels of flat head syndrome.

Sleeping and Resting Position Changes

One of the first treatments for milder cases of plagiocephaly and younger infants is to implement regular positional changes. Some insurance companies require positional therapy (specifically in younger infants) before they will pay for further treatment. Repositioning includes things like engaging in plenty of supervised tummy time during the day. During wakeful periods you can change the side on which baby is laying and move them into different positions throughout the day. You may be encouraged to implement babywearing during the day to minimize the amount of hours spent lying on the back. During the sleeping hours you would alternating the head position while sleeping on the back.

Exercises

Another treatment option for milder forms of plagiocephaly, especially those babies diagnosed with muscular torticollis, would be to initiate several pediatric neck exercises. If this type of treatment is warranted your doctor would refer you to a pediatric physical therapist who can help create a treatment plan. Many families use the service of Early Intervention programs throughout the country to find appropriate therapists.

Plagio Cradle

Another current treatment option is the Plagio Cradle. Babies younger than three months old may be prescribed a molding cup, or Plagio Cradle. The Plagio Cradle is designed to address both existing flattening, while also preventing future flattening in babies who are at particular risk for plagiocephaly. The cradle is placed under the infant’s head and neck when they are placed on their back. The neck is supported and the cradle creates a hollowed area that allows for natural reshaping of the head. The gradual process is effective and several cradles may be needed as the skull grows.

Cranial Remolding Helmets

Older infants or those children with more moderate to severe forms of flattening will often need a corrective helmet to begin the process of cranial orthosis or skull remolding. The lightweight plastic shell and foam liner are breathable and safe for baby to wear for 16-23 hours each day. The helmet serves similarly to a brace or cast to slowly reshape the skull as it grows.

Cranial Remolding Bands

Similar to the remolding helmet, a remolding band is a form of cranial orthosis. Instead of full coverage, the band is more open on the top and slightly lighter weight than a helmet. Examples of these would be the Boston Band, Doc Band and Starband.

Current Treatment Options for Flat Head Syndrome

These are some of the most recent trends in plagiocephaly treatment. While in years past helmet therapy was initiated as a first option, many doctors are now using repositioning and exercises to try to treat the malformation, often in younger babies and less severe cases. For babies who do need cranial remolding, there are many different brands and options for helmets and bands.

Three Important Ways to Avoid Plagiocephaly

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Ways to Avoid PlagiocephalyPlagiocephaly has seen a dramatic spike in the number of babies diagnosed each year over the course of the past twenty-two years. Finding ways to avoid plagiocephaly has become increasingly important. This spike has largely been associating with the “Back to Sleep” campaign, which encouraged parents to put their infants to sleep on their backs, rather than their stomachs. This campaign was highly effective at reducing the rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), with a more than 50 percent reduction in the death rates since the start of the 1994 campaign. An unexpected outcome of this highly successful movement was the rise in plagiocephaly diagnoses. Some studies have shown that the diagnosis has risen by at least 21 percent. Because SIDS is dramatically more dangerous than plagiocephaly, sleeping on the back is important. So many parents ask, what can they do to avoid flat head syndrome but adhering to recommendations on back sleeping?

There are a number of things parents can do to avoid a plagiocephaly diagnosis; these are among the most important:

Using Supervised Tummy Time to Avoid Plagiocephaly

One of the best ways to avoid babies spending too much time on their back is by having them spend time on their belly. While tummy sleeping is not recommended, all childcare experts collectively recommend supervised tummy time. There are many ways you can safely engage your baby in tummy time. Younger babies may have difficulty holding up the weight of their head so a rolled towel or blanket can be placed under their chest to boost them upwards. You can also position baby on your chest so they must lift their head to see your face. Babies love to look at their parents face so this allows both tummy time and bonding. Older babies with stronger neck muscles can be placed on a blanket on the floor and you can encourage them to lift up their head and engage in play.

Using Repositioning to Avoid Plagiocephaly

Another tip that is recommended by doctors and childcare experts is to use repositioning to avoid plagiocephaly. This is a simple technique where you adjust where and how baby lies in their crib, swing or other safe space. By changing the location they lay in and the direction they face their head you can help minimize the potential head flattening. This can even be used to treat mild cases of plagiocephaly in infants under 4-5 months old.

Using Babywearing to Avoid Plagiocephaly

A newer suggestion for avoiding flat head syndrome is babywearing. By carrying baby in a pouch, sling, wrap or carrier you can help make sure that their head is not receiving the pressure that would be applied when laying down. By making sure that your carrier of choice allows baby’s head to be free you can spend hours where baby is safe and supported but not laying on their back.

These are three of the most important ways you can avoid your baby’s head to become flat. They are simple and effective, and ideally should begin as soon as baby comes home from the hospital.

An in-depth look at treatment for positional plagiocephaly, brachycepahly, and scaphocephaly

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An in-depth look at treatment for positional plagiocephaly, brachycepahly, and scaphocephaly

When is treatment most effective

The effectiveness of treatment methods for flat head syndromes such as plagiocephaly, brachycephaly and scaphocephaly vary based on the age of the baby and the severity of the deformity. The following information should give you an idea of the treatments available for your baby’s case.

Natural treatment methods (tummy time and repositioning)

The use of natural treatment methods for flat head syndromes is usually recommended for babies who are younger than 6 months of age. Repositioning is the most common method and is most effective before 5-6 months of age, before infants begin to move on their own. Once your baby can get around by scooting, sitting up, or rolling over independently, the most effective natural remedy will be tummy time. Additionally, doctors recommend limiting the amount of time baby spends on their back during the day when the baby is awake. General treatment strategies encourage parents to promote daytime activities for infants that do not involve much time spent lying on their backs. By one year of age, natural treatment methods are generally ineffective, since most children are able to crawl or walk by this point.  The earlier and more often you perform natural treatment methods, the more effective they will be.

In 2008, Xia et al conducted a review of existing studies comparing the effectiveness of repositioning therapy vs. cranial orthosis (helmet or band therapy). They reviewed over 3,000 cases and determined that the most effective treatment for positional cranial deformations is helmet or band use, regardless of age or indicators that might suggest a child is better suited for repositioning therapy. The authors did express caution that the number of studies available is small, and the need for further research is necessary as a result of flaws in some of the studies they examined.

Many insurance companies require that parents try repositioning and physical therapy before proceeding to helmet therapy. The cost of helmeting without insurance support might be too high for many parents to proceed directly to helmeting, even if it would be the most effective treatment method for their child’s case.

In any case, natural therapies are low risk and should always be used if you suspect your baby has flat head syndrome.

Helmet Therapy

A 2011 study on the outcome of cranial molding helmet therapy at various ages determined that the best outcomes were achieved when children began helmet therapy between the ages of 5 and 6 months. The authors of the study suggested that physical therapy alone should not be the first course of treatment in severe cases.  They advocated that helmet therapy in combination with physical therapy be used immediately in severe cases, since study participants with severe cranial deformations who began helmet therapy later did not manage to recover normal head shape.

Many parents whose children require helmet therapy are worried about long-term psychological effects. While there is some evidence to suggest that helmeted children recognize that they are somehow different, a 2008 study on the quality of life of children who had undergone helmet therapy discovered that 96% of patients and their families were satisfied with treatment results. Only two families had complaints regarding the treatment. In one case, pressure spots and hair loss resulted from helmet use, and in another normal head shape was not regained. If you are worried about how your little one will handle helmet therapy if it is necessary, remember that there are many types of helmets and bands available, and several offer customizable patterns or colors that your child may like.

The First Comprehensive eBook about Flat Head Syndrome in Babies

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The first comprehensive eBook about flat head syndrome in babies is now available!  When my son was diagnosed with this condition, I found it was impossible to find all the latest information about plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and torticollis in one place. If I had only had this kind of information when my son was first born, I would have been so much better off.  Since I couldn’t find a book like this, I decided to research and write one!  If your baby has a flat head, this book is for you.

The book contains the following information and much more:

  • What are the different types of flat head syndrome and related conditions – brachycephaly, plagiocephaly, scaphocephaly
  • How to lower your baby’s risk of SIDS
  • Tummy Time – why it’s important, how to do it, activities to make it fun
  • Repositioning techniques
  • Torticollis – what is it and how it is treated
  • Cranial helmets – how to know if your child needs one, reviews of different manufacturers, how to make the transition easier for your baby
  • Insurance companies and how to deal with them regarding coverage of cranial helmets

To purchase this book for just $37 $14.99, click here.

Everything is available for instant secure download.  You will also get these three great bonus materials:

Baby flat head syndrome milestone trackerBonus # 1:  Baby Developmental Milestone Tracker – record your baby’s milestones (such as rolling, crawling, and walking) to share with your pediatrician and keep track so you will never forget these precious moments!

 

Flat head syndrome daily activity tracker for babyBonus # 2:  Baby Daily Activity Tracker – Daily activity log to track developmental activities that you or your childcare provider do with your baby – value $12

* Can be used by parents or other childcare providers to track daily activities, feedings, naps, and activities

* Designed specifically for babies at risk for flat head syndrome

* Make sure your baby is getting enough of the key activities that will ensure healthy development

 

Baby flat head syndrome product reviews.

Bonus # 3:  Product Review Guide – Product reviews for infant pillows, baby sleep positioners, and all the latest products on the market to help prevent baby flat head syndrome and encourage proper infant development.  Save your hard earned money!  Avoid purchasing products that don’t work!

 

All of this is available for just $37 $14.99.  Click here to purchase.

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Why is Tummy Time So Important?

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tummy time to prevent positional plagiocephaly
Tummy time can be fun for your baby

Tummy Time Does More than Just Prevent Baby Flat Head Syndrome

You have probably heard from your health care practitioner or read about the importance of tummy time for your baby. This article will tell you more about why it is so critical for you to make tummy time part of your regular routine, and not only to prevent baby flat head syndrome.

Some babies do not enjoy tummy time at first, and if this is the case you can find some tips to make it more fun here.

The risks of lying on the back for babies

Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly are two common problems that are found in infants. Both these conditions arise due to excessive resting on the back. Under plagiocephaly a baby’s head develops flat spots. In brachycephaly, the infant’s head becomes disproportionately wide. In this condition the head flattens uniformly leading to a wider head.

The back to sleep campaign has saved lives of millions of babies. But researches have shown that it leads to certain problems in babies.  Resting on the back has been associated with milestone delays in development.

Babies who rest on their back have been found to reach early milestones late.  All the figures indicate that lying on the back all the time is not good for future development of infants.  Fortunately by introducing tummy time at the right time, you can avoid these conditions.

Benefits of tummy time – why it is good for your baby

Flipping your baby on his belly will do him loads of good. To sit, crawl and walk a baby needs strong trunk, back and neck muscles. By putting him on his tummy you can help him to develop these muscles and gain control over his body. The American Association of Pediatrics has conducted several studies on the benefits of tummy time. From these reports it is evident that a baby should spend many of the waking hours on the tummy.

Here are some of the benefits discovered by the studies:

  1. Tummy time reduces chances of developing flat head or plagiocephaly.
  2. Tummy time ensures proper gross motor development of a baby. When put on their belly, babies kick and push which develops their gross motor skills. They also learn to roll and crawl and this helps in strengthening the torso and large muscle groups of the body.
  3. Tummy time develops eye-hand coordination of the baby.
  4. When the baby lies on the tummy, he tries to grab the blanket or the parents’ outfit. This develops the fine motor skills.
  5. Tummy time aids in cognitive development. A baby lying on his tummy gains a different perspective of the environment. He can rotate his head and observe things around him. He can even rotate his body. This helps him to speed up cognitive development.
  6. It is important for a baby to develop his vision. Resting on the tummy makes the baby aware of the objects around him. It also helps him to track the movements of people and objects. This aids in his vision development.
  7. Torticollis is a condition in which the neck muscles get tightened. This stretches the head in a certain direction. By putting the baby on his belly you can avoid this condition.

So, for proper milestone development of your baby it is essential that you make him lie on his tummy while he is awake.

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.

Tummy Time Tips

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Tummy Time is So Important!

Most parents know that tummy time is really important for their baby, but many babies just seem to hate tummy time! Babies are placed on their backs so often for safety reasons, especially when they are napping or sleeping. The result can be the development of flat spots on the baby’s head, as well as developmental delays. Colic and reflux can make tummy time even more unpleasant for babies. But take heart! This article will help you learn why tummy time is so important, and get some tips and advice on how to make it more pleasurable for you and your baby.

Why is Tummy Time So Important?

Tummy time plays a critical role in infant development. Before the Back to Sleep campaign, babies spent much more time on their stomachs, and this position is very natural and important for babies.  It provides the base for proper motor skill development, such as head control, rolling, and pulling up.  Since babies have been sleeping on their backs, there has been a great increase in the number of infants who have mild delays in gross motor skills. Another side effect has been the increase in baby flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly). Diligently working on tummy time can help to prevent and even treat flat spots on the baby’s head.

Tummy Time Benefits

Here are some of the benefits that your little one will get from spending time on the tummy:

  • Strengthens the neck and upper body muscles
  • Prevents baby flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly and brachycephaly)
  • Improves trunk stability
  • Better limb coordination
  • More head control
  • Strengthens core muscles

Developing those core muscles is really important for head control and for reaching important developmental milestones such as sitting, standing, pulling up, crawling, and walking.  It has been proven that babies who spend more time on their tummies will reach these milestones faster.

How to Get Started Doing Tummy Time

You should start tummy time when your baby is a newborn. The earlier you start, the easier it will be! The best way to do it is to try to make it fun for your baby, and a regular part of his or her playtime. It shouldn’t be a chore!  Your baby may not love it at first, but take heart that the more you do it, the more your baby will enjoy it.  An easy way to get started with a very young baby is to lay the baby tummy down on your chest or belly, or across your lap (this is also a good position for burping).

tummy time to prevent baby flat head
Tummy time using a boppy pillow covered with a baby blanket

How much tummy time should I do?

Eventually about half the time that a baby spends playing each day should be spent on the tummy, but your baby may need a few months to work up to this amount of time.  You can start with as little as 30 seconds if that is all your baby will tolerate, and work up to 30 minute periods.  Just try to do it as frequently as you can.

Tummy Time Tips

  • Do frequent, short sessions of tummy time.  Gradually over time the baby will get more comfortable and you will be able to lengthen your sessions
  • Pick up your baby when he or she starts to fuss or cry, and move on to another activityContinue Reading
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