When Is It Too Late To Fix Flat Head

As a parent it can be an incredibly stressful and often heartbreaking experience when you realize that your child has a flat head. Flat head syndrome, also known as plagiocephaly, is a condition in which your baby’s head shape is misshapen or asymmetrical due to extended pressure on one spot. It is not uncommon for babies born after labor and delivery to have flat spots due to positioning in the womb or the great pressure they are exposed to during birth, although this can usually be remedied by simply repositioning your baby’s head while they sleep.

What Causes Flat Head Syndrome?

However, flat head syndrome can be caused by a variety of other reasons, one being when the baby is always sleeping in the same position. This conditions is also more prevalent in earlier born babies and babies born in multiples due to them having to fight for space in the womb. Additionally, babies with weakened neck muscles or those who experience developmental delays may also be more likely to experience flat head syndrome.

If your baby was born prematurely or preterm the risk is also greater due to your baby’s lack of strength to turn their head and their inability to move into different positions within the womb. This can be further exacerbated if your baby is placed on their backs often while sleeping, or in their car seat for a substantial amount of time.

When is it Too Late to Fix Flathead?

Most doctors say that non-surgical treatments such as repositioning your baby’s head while they sleep and physical therapy should be started as soon as the flat spot is noticed. These therapies, particularly repositioning, can be particularly effective in younger babies who haven’t developed a strong head shape.

It is also recommended to integrate the use of tummy time or regular time spent playing on their front or side in cases of mild to moderate flat head syndrome. The use of helmets can be prescribed by and used under the supervision of a medical practitioner in more advanced cases of plagiocephaly.

A baby’s head is unique and malleable, however doctors suggest that helmets should be used within the first two years of age for the best results. In more extreme cases of flat head syndrome, the helmet should be applied below the age of one year old. It is important to remember that if helmets are used it should be while your baby is sleeping or when your baby is awake and monitored to ensure they are not uncomfortable or in distress.

What If It Is Too Late?

However, if the flat head is severe, your baby is over the age of two and none of the less invasive treatments have been effective, then surgery may be considered. The most commonly used surgical procedure for flat head syndrome is called the Rosenbloom and Meyer Reconstruction.

This surgery reshapes your baby’s skull by cutting pieces out, lifting up the flat area, and sewing the cranial bones back together. It’s important to remember that your baby’s head shape is unique and that in cosmetic cases, surgery may not be necessary and could even be unnecessary or invasive.

Final Thoughts on Fixing Flat Head

At the end of the day, a parent’s intuition is often one of the best indicators when it comes to caring for your baby. Most medical professionals suggest that if you notice your baby having any kind of flat head syndrome, it’s a good idea to start considering more aggressive treatments as soon as you can. It’s important to remember that if the flat head is caused by something else, then seeking medical aid sooner, rather than later, may help to avoid any more serious complications.

Whether it's positioning or a helmet, correctly caring for your baby’s flat head can help to prevent more serious conditions from forming and can also put your mind at ease. Taking preventative measures now can save a great deal of heartache and help your baby to develop to their best potential.