Flat spot?

Pumpkin101009

Ugh, I have finally come out of denial and scheduled my LO to see the doctor. I have noticed the side of his head is kinda flat on one side. I had noticed it since we have gotten home from the hospital. He's been to the dr 4 times since he was born and no one has addressed it, but as he's getting bigger it's more noticeable to me. And from what I'm told mommys intuition is usually right. LO favors his right side. I attempted to reposition him as often as I can but he's STTN and it's hard to move him when I'm sleeping. We also do tummy time, on the floor and on the boppy and also on our chests. He usually naps on someone. Since ive been back to work my mom has him, and she lets him nap on her as well. I called the drs office today and the nurse told me that try check for this each time he's in, and he was just there on dec 5. I then said he's not coming in for another month... She scheduled me to easy my mind. I am just hoping I'm wrong... He was a csection baby... So he never got that cone head or anything like that. Btw LO is now 12 weeks... Anyone else experiencing this? Am I just being paranoid?

peanut823

We have this issue. The doc just gave us some exercises to do. We need to position her different ways. DH has to hold her on the opposite side of how HE was comfy holding her (ha!). The exercise is just turn her head and make her chin touch her shoulder and hold for 10 seconds on each side at every diaper change. We are EBF so I nurse each side. 

Pumpkin101009

Thanks for your quick response... I hope that's all that's needed. I ordered the boppy noggin nest. I read online alot of moms found if helpful!

hboo2011

Yeah. K is 11 weeks tmrw. She favors one side while sleeping at night. I just keep doing what I'm doing, few mins of tummy time (she hates it so I often put her on her side), one nap on me during day, etc. i recently got the Boppy noggin nest for her swing and when she's laying on ber back under activity gym (while I'm there to supervise).

I'm not overly concerned yet. Hoping once she starts to tolerate tummy time more and eventually crawling, it'll work itself out. Hopefully ;-)

KraneRN

We had this problem with DD. We ended up going to physical therapy and has exercises for her to do. She started rolling over in the crib and sleeping on her side or her tummy and then her head got much better. Our pedi had us roll up a small receiving blanket and tuck it under her to tilt her so her head would turn the way she was tilted. Our pedi also said that it will look its "worst" at 3 to 4 months. Good luck!

projectbaby2012

One of ma babies has a flat spot. I noticed it since day one. At his 1 mo appt, the Dr wasn't concerned. At his 2 mo appt, she had us see a specialist. Turns out he got it before he was born, not uncommon with twins. He was swished against my pelvic bone. The specialist said its not severe, but needs to be addressed. We are doing more tummy time, neck exercises and day time naps on his stomach. Next mo we get measurements taken again. Hopefully it corrects itself, worse case he will get a helmet. They can't wear helmets until 4 months. His brothers' head is perfect.

Trust your gut and get it checked out. I'm pissed the Dr didn't address it at his 1 month appt and that I didn't push her to.

PixelPosy

We've got a flat spot in back. My pedi said we needed 60-90 minutes of tummy time a day, which is torture to get in for her. We do it mostly by putting her on her tummy after each diaper change.

CC1017

Hi Ladies, I actually make helmets to treat plagiocephaly.  It will be important to distinguish whether or not the flat spot is caused by torticollis (a tightening of one of the neck muscles which can restrict range of motion of the head) or if it's just a positioning issue.  If torticollis is present, you should request a referral to a physical therapist.  The therapist can teach you exercises to do with your baby.  Otherwise, it may just be a repositioning issue.  Here is a great resource for repositioning: https://www.orthomerica.com/pdf/tummytimetools.pdf

Also, if you are really concerned about the severity of the head shape, you could have a consultation with an orthotist (person who makes helmets and other braces). Most orthotic centers will offer a courtesy scan of your baby's head - this will give a report of the severity of the head shape with numbers that insurance companies will use to determine whether or not they will pay for the helmet.  

But do trust your gut.  A lot of pediatricians will tell you it will go away on its own and sometimes it does and sometimes it doesn't.  If you feel uncomfortable, get evaluated by an orthotist.  If you have to do a helmet, the sooner you start, the better your outcome will be.