What is the doc doing about your baby's flat head?

penelopemaria · August 2014

My LO has a pretty bad flat head on one side. We're good at doing positional therapy and giving him lots of tummy time, but I don't think it's gotten much better over time. We were back at the peds today and again his answer was to "keep an eye on it." When asked when they start to get concerned, he indicated that he'll get worried about his head if it's still flat at 1 year.

I researched a bit online tonight and the stuff I'm finding seems to suggest early intervention is key.

What is your doc doing? Was your LO referred to a specialist? Are they wearing a helmet yet? Or is your doctor like mine and you're taking a wait and see approach.

Thanks!: )

Kermode61581 · August 2014

My LO was starting to get a bit of a flat head on one side and my doctor said the same thing, that they would not do anything until a year. LOs flat spot seems to have sorted itself out without anything other than tummy time. I did get quite worried when I saw lots of women on here posting about it because it made me feel like my doctor maybe was brushing me off.

MissyC979 · August 2014

Finn had a helmet from about 4-6 months. We also did PT to help his torticollis, which was the cause of his flat head. His head was really flat on one side and sort of pointed a little. He still has a little flat spot, even after the helmet, but it's way better now and not noticeable unless you're really looking for it.

Everything I've heard says to treat it early, at least in cases of helmet therapy. I've heard there's not much point after 9-12 months, because there head growth slows down. You want the big growth periods, to really make a difference.

BoothBaby · August 2014

We'd been watching the flat spot and addressing it with our Pedi since around 6-8 weeks old, and were referred to a physical therapist back at 4 months. We were lucky that Simon actually started to sleep on his tummy around the same time, and so his head started to round out on its own. Otherwise we likely would have had a helmet. We did do 5 weeks of physical therapy just to help with the torticollis (muscle) portion.

If I were you, I would totally seek a second opinion. Or if your insurance allows it, seek out a physical therapist on your own.

CandiP523 · August 2014

I agree with getting second opinion. Our LO has been in a helmet since six months. Dr said waiting after mine months means they can't do much because bones will be fused together.

penelopemaria · August 2014

Thanks everyone. Much appreciated!

It's so frustrating being in Canada sometimes. I can't get a second opinion without the referral of my ped. and I need HIM to make the referral. If he thinks it's not an issue I don't get a referral.

I think I'll just look for a private physio clinic that specializes in babies and make an appointment with them.

Brenns2711 · September 2014

I noticed the top and back of head was uneven and flattened at 2.5 months so I brought it to our pediatrician's attention and she got helmet at 3.5 months ( takes about a month to get the process started ) and it was off 7 weeks later ... Now that she's starting to walk with that toy walker I wish she had that helmet on now ha

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