Cranial Technologies

Flat spots are common, but what should you do if you notice one on your child’s head? This can be an emotional and complicated time for parents, but remember, you are not alone! Flat spots are successfully treated every day, and the first step is knowing what to look for.

Plagiocephaly can be caused by many factors, including several outside parents' control. Positioning in the womb and multiple births increase the risk of developing plagiocephaly before a baby is born. Torticollis and premature birth can increase the risk of plagiocephaly developing after birth. Further factors such as back sleeping and extended use of car seats and convenience devices can encourage flat spots to form as well.

Prevention and treatment are important to address plagiocephaly and there are many prevention strategies you can incorporate into your daily routine. For instance, encouraging your baby to spend more time awake on their tummy strengthens their neck, trunk and shoulder muscles and means less time lying on their back.

Repositioning your baby during play can also help prevent flat spots from developing. Alternate the direction your baby faces in the crib and during playtime and hold them in different positions to encourage full range of motion in all directions. Repositioning is most successful from birth to three months old, before the infant is too mobile.

It’s important to address plagiocephaly early to ensure it can be properly corrected. As a baby ages, their skull hardens and becomes more difficult to correct. Treating flat spots early, in the rapid growth window between 4 and 6 months of age, allows for higher chances of successful treatment.

Sometimes parents will wait to see if the head corrects on its own, however, waiting to address plagiocephaly can prolong treatment times and lead to suboptimal results. If left untreated, flat spots, ear misalignment and facial asymmetry will remain over time. Parents and pediatricians should assess early and often. When it comes to flat spots, don’t hesitate!

If repositioning efforts at home have been ineffective, your doctor may recommend you see a Physical Therapist to assess your baby’s range of motion and muscle strength. Addressing any underlying causes of a positional preference is essential in treating their head shape.

A helmet may also be recommended to address their head shape, depending on the severity and their age. This involves the baby wearing a lightweight band to gently correct the head shape over time to achieve the desired result. Helmets, like the DOC Band®, are noninvasive and correct the baby’s head shape without disrupting their daily routine.

Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes, so don't hesitate to seek help if you have any concerns. Trust your instincts, communicate openly with your pediatrician, and take action when necessary. Our team is here to support you and provide guidance tailored to your child's needs. Cranial Technologies offers comprehensive evaluations at no cost to you, so you can have all the information you need to make the most informed decision for your family.