Some parents notice that their baby’s head shape can be slightly misshapen. This can be due to a variety of reasons and usually shows as Plagiocephaly or Brachycephaly, which are caused by prolonged pressure on one part of the head. Sometimes, a head shape deformity can be due to the less common Craniosynostosis which is caused by early fusion of two or more bones in the baby’s head. The sooner parents notice and become aware of their baby’s head flattening, the quicker they can seek advice and work towards correcting it.
As with any medical condition, there are various myths and misconceptions that develop and can confuse those seeking advice or treatment. This post will address some of the common myths surrounding Flat Head Syndrome, to help parents decide on the next steps for their baby.
A cranial helmet to treat plagiocephaly works as a gentle remoulding treatment, gradually guiding a baby’s head shape towards the correct shape as the head grows.
Plagiocephaly can start to appear before or during birth but often takes a few weeks to become apparent. A parent or health professional may notice that the head has an altered shape with a flattening to the side or at the back. If this is severe, the face and forehead may also be asymmetrical, with one ear further forward than the other. Read more…
To minimise the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDs), parents are strongly advised that it is extremely important to place their babies on their back to sleep. This very successful policy has hugely reduced the numbers of babies who have died in early infancy. However, due to the softness of a baby’s skull during their first months, some babies can develop a flattening on their head and it has been found that some babies who are lying for too long in one position can develop a flattened head shape. This post will guide you through some of the things that you can do to minimise or prevent a head shape flattening.
Tanya has recently finished the TiMband journey with her son, Oliver. Graduating with fantastic results, Tanya shares the journey they went through:
If you suspect that your baby might have positional plagiocephaly, naturally you’ll be wondering how severe the deformity is relative to other infants, and whether or not you should seek treatment. But how is plagiocephaly measured, and what system is used as a severity assessment for Plagiocephaly? Read more…
For anyone concerned about the shape of their baby’s head, we can advise you on whether or not your baby’s condition can be treated with a Plagiocephaly helmet. Here is everything you need to know about our Plagiocephaly clinics, services, and clinicians.
When you’re introduced to someone’s baby, the meeting is usually fuelled with lots of oohing and aahing as we coo over how cute and sweet they are – but pointing out any abnormalities we may have noticed isn’t the traditional approach.
Cleaning Your Baby’s Helmet to Minimise Odours and Itching
On our Facebook page, parents often ask for advice on how to clean a plagiocephaly helmet, particularly during the summer.
While a plagiocephaly helmet is a safe form of treatment with no detrimental effect on cranial growth, it can often start to get a bit smelly. People who have to wear a helmet for work or use a cast for a broken bone find the same and it is perfectly natural. The odour is caused by sweat and natural skin oils, and so is especially common in babies with long hair and during the warmer months of the year. Some babies can also experience minor sweat rash or redness on the scalp.
