Plagiocephaly and premie twins

Jennygurl · January 2013

Hi guys,

My twin babies are 6 months old now. At their last appointment they were being assessed for plagiocephaly for a slightly flattened head. At their 6 month appointment the other day the doctor said that he is not overly concerned but would like to monitor the progress in 6 weeks at which time he may decide they need to be referred out for possible helmets.

Since we've discovered this problem, my husband and I have been trying desperately to correct it (more tummy time, turning their heads). However, my girls are stubborn and always seem to move their heads to the same spot when they sleep etc.

Anyone have experience with this and have any advice?

Thanks!

angelfire02 · January 2013

We had this come up with one of our babies at 4 months and were told to just keep moving him, so every nap and at night (until I went to bed) I would go in and re-position his head. As soon as he started sitting up and in general being more upright, it got better. He for sure still has a flatter spot but it's nothing they are concerned about. Good luck!

Ruthie04 · January 2013

Our baby A was diagnosed with torticollis and mild plagiocephaly at 2mo. We took him to a physical therapist and got some great ideas for stretches. Two months later, his flat spot is so much better and now that we have been turning his head and stretching him so often, he sleeps with his head to the other side. I would definitely ask your pedi for some exercises or stretches to encourage the change in head direction. I know you arent dealing with the tort, but i can only imagine that something like that might help. But, I'm no doctor! The exercises are really easy and there are ways to make them more enjoyable.

Missa_g · January 2013

That sounds like torticollis. I highly suggest you get a PT referral. I also suggest a helmet referral now. I think most places do free evaluations, that way you know where you stand. Both my boys [29 weekers] had torticollis and plagiocephaly. PT helped both but my oldest's plagiocephaly did not correct. He's been in a DOC band for one month with great improvement in head shape.

Courtneyw04 · January 2013

Try going to tortle.com. You can buy a hat with a support on it tht makes the baby look the other way. We have been using it with our son and his flat head is getting much better!

mamatotwins0812 · January 2013

My guys are actually going to get their helmets on tomorrow

. I'd suggest going for at least a consult. Baby a had tort/plagiocephaly and like pp, after exercises it improved. (Theres still a slight positional flat spot on 1 side that never totally went away). Baby b's developed btwn 3-4 months and all the tummy time/sitting up/belly sleeping didn't budge it an inch. They told me before 9 months is the best age to do it so coming from experience of "let's just wait and see (as per my pedi from 4-6 months), I totally think a consult is a good thing. Best case is they say he doesn't need one. Good luck!

Jennygurl · January 2013

Thank you all for the advice, suggestions, etc. We're going to continue trying with them and talk with the doctor to see if they should have a referral.

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