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New Jersey Babies
robynlesley
member
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
PSA: Flat Head (Plagiocephaly/Brachycephaly/Scaphocephaly)
robynlesley
member
You'll see from my sig pics that my DS is wearing a helmet. He's wearing one to correct a condition called Brachycephaly, which is a uniform flattening on the back of his head.
I'm posting my "PSA" to get the word out that this condition?along with the more common plagiocephaly as well as scaphocephaly (less common)?is mostly preventable if one is aware. I was not fully so.
Alternate how you place your baby in his/her crib (bassinet) and turn your LO's head from right to left.
If your LO sleeps flat on his/her back like mine did, it's harder. There are sleep positioners that allow you to place your LO on his/her side. Some pedis feel it's a SIDS risk but others do not.
You should not allow your baby to sleep for hours on end in the infant carrier/car seat. That's what I did. If your baby is not moving his/her head there is constant pressure on one part of the head, which causes the flatness.
My son also has a condition called Torticollis. It's a muscle condition in the baby's neck (also called wry neck) and the baby's head tilts to one side. Physical therapy usually corrects this.
Lastly, be sure to give your baby plenty of TUMMY TIME. Many babies hate it but don't let their screaming stop you. It strengthens neck muscles and helps prevent flat head.
Aaron has to wear a DOC Band to correct his flatness. My insurance did not cover this (out of network) and it cost me $3600. Plus it's hard on the parents to have their baby in a helmet (though it hardly seems to bother him).
For more info check out Cranial Technologies' website (where I got my DS's helmet). They have a very informative site: cranialtech.com
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
This discussion has been closed.
Re: PSA: Flat Head (Plagiocephaly/Brachycephaly/Scaphocephaly)
I'm sorry you have to go through this! Thanks for the PSA.
Thanks, ladies!
For the most part, head flatness is preventable. In the cases of multiples or preemies it's more common. And most pediatricians will give a hand out to new mommies about this. I "knew" about this but not enough.
My son's head will round out within normal range?hopefully with just this one helmet. He started wearing it at 4 months 1 week (3 weeks now) and the estimated total time frame is 2-3 months. I've already seen improvement. But I wish I hadn't needed to go this route.
Bronx Zoo: Summer 2013
To read my blog, click on the giraffe pic below!
Sorry to hear this happened. I was told that my son's head was flat so I implemented some of the techniques you mentioned. It improved but today I was told he has torticollis. I will now have to find PT for him. I hope your son doesn't have to wear it too long.
P.S.Our sons are exactly one month apart--happy 5 and 6 month birthday!