How do you know when a flat spot is serious?

datan

My son has a small flat spot on the back right side of his head.  I don't think there's any facial or ear asymmetry, but I'll have to check when I go to pick him up from day care tonight.  Do all babies have at least some degree of flattening of the skull?  I asked my pedi about it at his 8 week appointment and she said not to worry about it.  He goes in for his 4 month appointment on th 18th, so I can ask about it then.  But... should I be worried?  He can turn his head just fine to left and right, he's got good head control, great tummy time abilities, etc... 

12bailey18

My son also has a flat spot on the back. I don't know how babies DON'T get a flat spot from sleeping on their back. I also asked my Pedi about it and she said more tummy time and she made note of it to check back at our 4 month appointment. DS doesn't like tummy time so that doesn't really help. Everyone tells me it will go away on it's own once he can sit up but I'm still worried about it.

AggieGrl

Really, you need someone to take measurements.  Even looks can be deceiving.  Do you live near a cranial tech location?  They do free evaluations without a referral.

Smootchy

my lo has a flat spot too. It's not bad.. and I'm pretty sure ALL babies get em.

datan

Thanks.  I looked up Cranial Technologies, and they have an at-home assessment guide. Of course, it can't diagnose anything, but at least can us help see if we should be concerned. I'll be doing this tonight. Here's the link.

NoJaneNoPain

All babies don't get them.

Mine did from a neck injury and we have done physical therapy to reduce it, but the doctor said it was ok and would go away. I didn't believe him so I got a second opinion at a cranial tech place and they said with my kids measurements, even though it doesn't look bad, he will always have a flat spot. This is unacceptable to me because he will be bald later in life. We're getting his helmet next week.

Google "Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)"

 

PinkMnM26

If you've already noticed a flat spot the goal is to keep it from getting worse. The flat spot shows a preference to lay on that side of the head. If it gets worse you may see facial asymmetry and ear problems and need a helmet to treat.  My guess is that you have noticed early enough that you just have to be mindful of it.  Try to limit the use of baby equipment that would put pressure on that side of the head. Alternate the way you lay your baby down to sleep. i.e. one night his head on the right side of the crib the next on the left side of the crib.  Look to see if baby prefers to turn his head one way to get to a comfy spot---It may be comfortable, but it's not good for them.

 

I wanted to add: Plagiocephaly is a flat spot  Torticollis is a tilt of the neck.  two different conditions often seen together, but you may see a flat spot without tilt.

Check his head frequently.  GL

 

LSzwaya

Just ask your pedi. DS had a flat spot and when I went for his 4 month check up today we talked about it. What I thought was horrible apparently was nothing at all and common. Just talk to your doctor.

ValentineNJ

We started using a Noggin Nest at around 3 months when DS is in the bouncy seat, stroller, swing or on the playmat.  It has made a big difference....and at his 4 mth appt the dr said his head was rounding out nicely. 

datan

Thanks for all the advice!  We'll get the Noggin Nest asap and I'll talk to my pedi at our 4 month appointment.  I've also turned his changing pad around so that to look at us he'll have to look to the left (his flat spot is on the right) and will be more vigilant about going in to his room and turning his head to the left when he's sleeping.  Thanks again!

PinkMnM26

datan:

Thanks for all the advice!  We'll get the Noggin Nest asap and I'll talk to my pedi at our 4 month appointment.  I've also turned his changing pad around so that to look at us he'll have to look to the left (his flat spot is on the right) and will be more vigilant about going in to his room and turning his head to the left when he's sleeping.  Thanks again!

Since he is getting mobile, you may have a hard time just turning his head left. You'll have more success turning the baby to where is head is on the other end of the crib.  Like this:    [>-o]  [o-<] especially if your crib is against a wall. babies like to look at the room or at mommy.