has anyones baby ever suffered with plagiocephaley (flat head syndrome)?

Question

my 7 month old son suffers with flat head syndrome due to lying him on his back to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. All the websites i have seen recommend helmets or straps, but i was just wandering if anyone had let nature take its cause and did there little ones head shape correct itself naturally. Worried to bits about this!

Answer 1

My little boys head did this and i were really worried about it. But the health visitors kept reassurring me that it was due to the fact that we put babies to sleep on their back now like you say. She said given time and when he became more mobile it would start to take it,s normal shape again.
I have to say they were right it,s not completley how it should be but it,s not flat like it were. Also everybody,s head is a funny shape really it,s only because babies are pratically bald that you notice more.
My son is 1 in february. Wait till your little boy starts to crawl properly and you,ll notice a big change then.
Don,t worry it will correct itself.

Answer 2

Unfortunately, this is a new American phenomenon, created by the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendation. The Atlanta Journal Constitution has published an extensive article (one if not more) about this new child problem and quotes Egleston Childrens Hosp. (leading childrens hosp. in the south) as having to undo the damage that this particular recommendation has created. I spent quite a bit of time studying this issue several years ago and using the SIDS Foundation and the AAP own study was able to conclude that neither had successfully built a case. Using common sense (and the fact that humans are the only living beings that attempt to place our young on their backs), I placed all of my infants on their tummys throughout their infancy and each had beautiful round heads and all survived. I am so sorry that your child will have a problem that will require medical intervention to correct, but if it makes you angry, one bit, please study this for yourself. Remember that Doctors are still practicing. Medical advise pertaining children seems to change about every 10 - 15 years. Isn't it funny that the body still works the same today as it has for thousands of years? The skull was built by the creator with 2 soft spots in order for it to pass thru the birth canal, which overlaps. As the baby matures, the skull hardens and can take on the flat side. Yet we know that the body (the organs) work much better in a prone (tummy down) position. The prone position also gives the infant a secure feeling (their arms not falling back while falling asleeping and causing them to startle.) I'm certain that you are a worried mother. Don't just rely on information from inexperienced parents. Look online for more information on this new medical issue and learn all you can. God Bless. [e-mail]

Answer 3

Personally, I've seen a very mild case work itself out (or maybe it was just covered by her hair...) Either way, she turned out happy, healthy, and beautiful. But, since your son is a bit older, aggressive positioning techniques, at the very least, may be needed. Talk to your doctor. Here's a little FAQ I found on the plagiocephaly.org website that kind of backs up what I'm saying:

Q: Do I need to seek treatment, or will my baby’s head round out on it’s own?

A: This is a difficult question to answer. Many factors are involved here.

What is the age of the child? If your baby is under 3 months of age, aggressive positioning techniques may help round out baby’s head. After this point, you should talk to a doctor about a timeline in which intervention may be necessary. Remember, the earlier you start treatment, the faster you will see results. Treatment should be started before 1 year of age and can be started up to 24 months of age (*depending on the type of helmet used - check with your orthotist!!*)

What is the severity of the deformity? Very mild cases are likely going to either heal on their own (if no torticollis is involved, and positioning methods are used), or will "hide" once the child has grown a full head of hair.

If the case is moderate to severe, treatment is likely needed.

Ultimately, it is a decision the family must make together with the guidance of a doctor that is well versed on the topic of plagiocephaly. The well being of the child, both present and future is obviously the goal here.

Hope that helps!

Answer 4

One side of my sons' head is flat. It's not as bad as it was and he is now 2 1/2 I don't really notice it anymore to be fair. I always tell my little boy he is gorgeous. I was really worried to start but didn't want to go for the helmet treatment. I found out about it too late for one and two I don't actually see it as an issue. I wouldn't have wanted to make him wear one anyhow. I feel it is slowly correcting itself.

Answer 5

My brother did from lying in a hospital bed for the first 2 months of his life. The doctors never used a helmet on him and his hair somewhat hides it now, he is 6. But i might look into it he gets embarrassed when people notice and they do notice. But the older he gets the better he looks.

Answer 6

Their heads will eventually correct themselves. You might want to start putting him to sleep on his sides (alternate which side he sleep on), maybe with the help of a baby positioner, instead of his back to help it along, though. Also, less time in baby devices (strollers, car seats, etc) can help. He needs as much time as possible with no pressure on the back of his head to help it resolve. Honestly, I've never figured out the point of the helmets...there's still something putting pressure on the back of the head, even if it's just foam.

Answer 7

my son had this, so did his cousin but it really wasnt very bad ..my sons has rounded off but his cousins is still slighlty flat. so it does depend on the severity of it.
there is nothing to worry about, as it does not cause any problems,he will just have a flat head!
try making sure he spends MOST of the time on his stomach, or if he is sitting up let him sit up. not only is this good for his stomach muscles but its also good for his head.
try speaking to a DR and see what they recommend? if your still worried maybe you could consider the helmets? i hear they are quite good, but the decision is up to you!
remember he is still your son and will grow up to be a beautiful young man! flat head or not.
goodluck to you

Answer 8

Depends on the severity of it. Your doctor will let you know if the helmet is needed. My soon to be 7 yr old had a flat head too and he grew out of it with no aids. My twins started to develope it but as soon as they started rolling they grew out of it as well.

Answer 9

I would get the helmet. My nephew had the same thing. The doctor told my sister it can cause mental retardation and in rare cases death. Get your baby checked out. After they are a year old there is very little they can do to fix it. I hope I helped.

Answer 10

my cousins last baby had it, if it's not serious, you won't need a helmet. this is why they tell you to do tummy time everyday, no matter how old the baby is.