Parents often notice their baby has a flat spot on the back or side of the head. This is called plagiocephaly. It is common and usually happens because babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs. If you live in the area and notice this, you might wonder about the next steps.
Early Intervention and Repositioning
The first step in treating a flat head
is often simple. Doctors recommend repositioning therapy. This means changing
the position of your baby's head while they sleep or play. You can move toys to
different sides of the crib to encourage them to look in a new direction.
Tummy time is also very important. It
gets the baby off the back of their head and helps strengthen their neck
muscles. Many infants improve significantly just by moving more during the day.
If the flat spot is mild, these home changes might be all that is needed.
Physical Therapy
Sometimes a flat spot is caused by tight
neck muscles. This is called torticollis. If a baby has trouble turning their
head, they will always rest in the same spot. A pediatric physical therapist
can show you stretches to loosen those muscles. This helps the baby move
naturally and prevents the flat spot from getting worse.
Helmet Therapy
If repositioning does not work by the
time a baby is four to six months old, a specialist might suggest a cranial
remolding orthosis. This is a custom-made helmet. It does not squeeze the head.
Instead, it provides a frame for the head to grow into. The helmet creates
space where the head is flat and restricts growth where it is already rounded.
Families looking for plagiocephaly treatment in New
Jersey can find specialized clinics that measure the baby's head using
3D scanning. This ensures the helmet fits perfectly and works efficiently. Most
babies wear the helmet for several months.
Monitoring Growth
Head shapes change quickly during the
first year of life. Regular checkups help track whether the flat spot is
rounding out on its own. Experts use specialized tools to measure the symmetry
of the skull. This data helps parents decide if they should continue with home
exercises or move to a different type of care. It is always better to start
these conversations early while the skull is still soft and growing fast.
Conclusion
Most cases of a flat head are easy to
fix if caught early. Watching how your baby moves and talking to a specialist
can make a big difference. If you are concerned about your child’s head shape, Short
Hills Carnial Centre provides expert care and guidance to help your infant
achieve the best results.