Treatment of plagiocephaly

What to do if my baby already has a flat spot on the back of her head?

If your baby has clearly developed a flat spot on his skull it is key to avoid additional pressure on that spot as much as possible. Increasing tummy time combined with side lying (with the flat side up) are the best positions for your baby during wake time.

Progress will be slow during the first six months, so don’t be alarmed. Your baby still sleeps a lot and will therefore be on his back for long stretches of time! But after six months of age, your baby will be awake for longer spells, he will be more interested in exploring his world when on his tummy, and he might roll over at night to sleep on his tummy (if your baby rolls over by himself to sleep on his tummy after six months of age, you no longer need to switch him back on his back).

What about a helmet?

Most people are now familiar with seeing babies wearing cute helmets.

Helmet therapy (cranial molding orthosis) is a highly effective treatment for severe plagiocephaly. However, it is only indicated in cases of severe to very severe plagiocephaly. Babies with mild to moderate plagiocephaly do not benefit from a cranial orthosis. Severity of plagiocephaly is determined by specific measurements of your baby’s head.

Helmets are not recommended for babies under 4 months of age, or over the age of 18 months, the age when most cranial sutures have closed. A helmet is most effective when the baby is having a growth spurt, which may be difficult to determine. The earlier helmet therapy starts, the shorter treatment is needed, with the most optimal outcomes.