Lets talk flat spots

Ktrue85 · January 2014

Anyone else notice their LO developing a flat spot? Jack has always preferred to turn his head to his left when he sleeps, and I'm noticing his head looks lopsided in the back because of it. H wants to tuck a blanket under his shoulder and head to encourage him to turn more right but I'm uncomfortable with that and consider it a choking hazard.

Any suggestions or experience?

Aycul18 · January 2014

I think it's pretty common. Our pedi said to do tummy time a few times a day for 10-15 min to help prevent flat spots. Often times she doesn't like the play mat, so we get maybe 1-2 5 minute sessions and sometimes she hangs out on me on her tummy for a bit.

Ktrue85 · January 2014

^^^ we've been doing lots of tummy time and holding him to try and help but I haven't noticed a change yet. Babies are hard.

Ktrue85 · January 2014

No I have not, @Soozerella. Tell me more!

BeachMommy2B · January 2014

Sloane favors the left at night too. I lay her on her right side for naps during the day. This way I'm awake an can see her the whole time. We also do lots of tummy time.

grannyweatherwax · January 2014

Babies heads take a long time to shape. Keep doing what you're doing, try to reposition him once he's sleeping. Lots of tummy time too. You will notice a change, it just might take a while.

FutureMrsCaesar · January 2014

When DS1 had torticollis we were told we could use a towel (or blanket) to re-position his head during naps when we could keep an eye on him but not at night. Also wear baby as much as possible instead of laying him down for naps.

ugoglencoco · January 2014

gwinnygirl said:
Is it only at night he favors one side? DS had an incredibly limited range of motion and favored his left as a baby and was developing a bit of a flat spot. He was diagnosed with torticollis around 8w. We did PT for a couple months and it cleared right up. It was basically some stretches and increased tummy time, though we did use a rolled up receiving blanket in his bouncer to position his head when he was awake.

This! DS1 had torticollis as well. So if you notice that it is more than just at bedtime and he has limited motion on the other side, get it checked out! It was definitely a very easy fix, PT and stretches at home!! GL!

SusanC111 · January 2014

Mmc0323 said:

Is it only at night he favors one side? DS had an incredibly limited range of motion and favored his left as a baby and was developing a bit of a flat spot. He was diagnosed with torticollis around 8w. We did PT for a couple months and it cleared right up. It was basically some stretches and increased tummy time, though we did use a rolled up receiving blanket in his bouncer to position his head when he was awake.
This! DS1 had torticollis as well. So if you notice that it is more than just at bedtime and he has limited motion on the other side, get it checked out! It was definitely a very easy fix, PT and stretches at home!! GL!

Same! Didn't notice the torticollis till 2 months so he did get a flat spot from it that never rounded out. Thankfully his pretty curls cover it now. If you're already noticing a flat spot, I would bring it up to the pedi.

zou bisou · January 2014

I'll turn his head toward one side or the other when I lay him to sleep. Catching it early makes a big difference.

Yankees0623 · January 2014

Switch sides that his head is in the crib. I've had two babies that needed helmet therapy due to torticollis and plagiocephaly.

BoothBaby · January 2014

Our LO favors his right side almost exclusively. He doesn't have a flat spot yet, but will if we don't work on it. Pedi said that he was probably positioned that way in utero. She gave us a couple handouts with stretches and positioning techniques. Def talk to your Pedi about it!