My daughter's pediatrician warned us yesterday that LO is getting a bit of a flat spot on the back of her head. I guess I need to put her down for more tummy time, but she always wants to be super active on her tummy, and that wears her out really quickly. Has anyone else dealt with a flat head diagnosis? Did it round out on its own with time? What did you do to keep the flat spot from getting worse?
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What about rotating the side your baby sleeps on? One day, sleep on the left side. Next time, right side, etc.
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We were super diligent about using this:
http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/boppy-head-support/
I bought two of them. One for diaper changes (on the changing table) and we used the other whenever he had his head against something (like the swing, bouncer, laying on the sofa, etc).
They also have some on Amazon for around $15.
My son had/has a perfectly round head. Not sure how much of it has to do with the pillow or just genetic or whatever. But it didn't hurt to use the pillow. Will definitely do the same with my daughter!
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Yes, we started physical therapy last week for DS's plagiocephaly (the official "diagnosis" for flat head). Although he is really young (he's only 3 months, most babies don't start PT until 6 months or later), our doctor recommended we start now to learn some techniques that will help reverse it.
The techniques are really simple:
1. Alternate what side of the crib you put your baby down in. One side is usually more interesting/entertaining, and babies will turn to look at that side more than the other, creating a flat spot. Turning them in their crib allows them to move their heads both ways.
2. Increase tummy time. We do three 10 minute tummy time periods a day. Also, you can sit/lay next to your baby on the side of their head that is not flat; that will draw their attention and make them look the other way from what their used to, so their neck muscles get used equally on both sides.
3. Spend lots of time upright during the day while cuddling/playing/etc...
4. Limit time in the swing, the carseat, the bouncy chair, etc... This is what I'm most guilty of; I often put DS in his bouncy seat during the day, while DD and I are playing. The reclined seat will often make their head turn one way or the other, though, which might increase the flatness on that side, so these devices should be limited.
Also, Mrs. Jacks wrote a post on plagiocephaly, which I thought was very helpful! Here's the link:
http://www.hellobee.com/2012/05/03/my-babys-head-is-flat-whats-the-deal-with-plagiocephaly/ -
@Honeybee: Thanks! I was just coming in to link to the plagiocephaly post. FWIW, M. has a pretty flat head (with a bald spot!) at this point. So I'm taking all the same advice
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Thanks everyone! Oddly, DD's flat spot is right on the back (center) of her head. As a completely separate issue, she is now totally preferring to turn her head to the right when she's seated upright and holding up her own head. I will try putting her down to bed with her head turned in opposite directions each night, but she usually just moves her head into the position that she wants it in... so I'm not sure how much that will help. I'm definitely guilty of putting DD down for a lot of carseat naps, so I'll try to limit that behavior from now on.
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@Mrs. Jacks: Ah, Maisie.
Luckily, our kids are still super cute, even with their flat little heads!
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I'm happy to hear you addressing your daughter's symptoms! The position of an infant’s head needs to be changed throughout the day so that they do not begin to favor a certain area of the head, which can ultimately lead to the development of a flat spot on the head and elongated neck muscles on one side. The helmets you saw are used to for cranial remolding in severe cases. Fortunately, plagiocephaly can be prevented and even corrected in the early stages! There are many techniques to practice daily with baby. For example, when approaching and feeding baby, parents can alternate the direction from which they come, encouraging baby to turn their head in a different direction each time. Another technique is to place interesting and stimulating toys in new locations around baby’s room so they will have to turn their head different directions, depending on where the toys are. Make sure to implement lots of supervised tummy time during the day, and finally, massaging baby’s neck muscles when they are relaxed can help them stretch both sides of the neck. Education and awareness are key to ending plagiocephaly!
[Link removed by Mr. Bee, per Hellobee's self-promotion policy - sorry about that!]
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My oldest had a pretty flat head from pretty much hating tummy time. I also bought a couple of Boppy head support for use on the bouncer and swings and just whenever he is on his back. I also have a JJ Cole one for his car seat. It started to help so I started using it with my youngest from day one. His head is better but still a little flatter than it should be. My oldest's head did round back out but not super round. You can't even tell his head was as flat as it was.
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Just saw that this thread reappeared, so I thought I would update. DD still has a nice flat spot on the back of her head but is doing great otherwise. Her doctor isn't worried, just as long as we keep working on tummy time and avoid too much time lying on the back. Luckily DD started sitting this past week, so now she prefers sitting up over laying on her back whenever possible.
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That's great news! I was worried with my first as well; but his pediatrician said to just keep at the tummy time and avoiding being on his back so much and it worked. Plus, it helped a lot when he started sitting up too and rolling over. He was a late roller over at 6 months! That's how much he hated tummy time!
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