Navigating Treatment Options for Infant Flat Head Syndrome

Infant flat head syndrome, medically referred to as positional plagiocephaly is a common condition that affects many babies in their first few months of life. While it may initially cause concern, the good news is that there are several effective treatment options to address and correct it. Choosing the best approach depends on the severity of the condition, your baby’s age, and their specific needs.

In this blog, we’ll explore the top treatment options for flat head syndrome and provide guidance on how to decide what’s best for your baby.

Flat head syndrome occurs when an infant’s head develops a flat spot or asymmetry due to prolonged pressure on one area of the skull. This can result in:

• Plagiocephaly: Flattening on one side of the back of the head, often accompanied by facial asymmetry or misaligned ears.

• Brachycephaly: Flattening across the back of the head, causing a wider head shape.

• Scaphocephaly: A long, narrow head shape caused by consistent side-lying, commonly seen in premature infants.

Flat head syndrome is commonly caused by external factors, such as spending extended periods on the back or having limited neck mobility due to conditions like torticollis.

The earlier flat head syndrome is identified, the more treatment options that are available. During the first 4 months of life, a baby’s skull is soft and highly malleable, making it more responsive to repositioning techniques and other early interventions. After this period, treatment may require more targeted approaches like cranial remodelling orthoses.

BEST TREATMENT OPTIONS:

1. Repositioning Techniques

Repositioning techniques are the first-line treatment for mild cases of flat head syndrome, especially in babies younger than 4 months. These techniques aim to reduce pressure on the flattened area of the skull and encourage symmetrical head growth.

How to Implement Repositioning:

• Alternate Sleep Directions: Place your baby’s head at alternating ends of the crib each night to encourage them to turn their head in different directions.

• Tummy Time: Begin tummy time as early as possible, starting with a few minutes a day and gradually increasing to 20-30 minutes daily by 3-4 months. Tummy time strengthens neck and shoulder muscles and reduces pressure on the back of the head.

• Active Play: Use toys, mirrors, or sounds to encourage your baby to move their head and neck in both directions during play.

• Limit Time in Reclined Devices: Avoid prolonged use of car seats, swings, and bouncers, where your baby’s head remains in a fixed position.

When Repositioning Works Best:

• Babies under 4 months of age.

• Mild cases of flat head syndrome with no underlying conditions like torticollis.

2. Pediatric Therapy

For babies with underlying conditions like torticollis (tight neck muscles) or limited head mobility, pediatric therapy can be highly effective in improving neck range of motion and reducing positional preference.

Types of Pediatric Therapy:

• Physiotherapy: A pediatric physiotherapist can provide stretching exercises and positioning strategies to improve neck strength and mobility.

• Chiropractic Care: Pediatric chiropractors may help address misalignments or tightness contributing to flat head syndrome.

• Osteopathy: Osteopaths use gentle techniques to promote mobility and address musculoskeletal imbalances.

Our Trusted Community Partners:

At ROKband, we are proud to collaborate with an incredible network of community partners specializing in pediatric therapy. These trusted professionals include physiotherapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths who share our mission of supporting families and enhancing infant development. If therapy is recommended for your baby, we can connect you with experienced practitioners to provide tailored care for your little one.

When to Seek Therapy:

• If your baby has difficulty turning their head equally to both sides.

• If torticollis or other mobility issues are present.

• If repositioning techniques alone are not improving your baby’s head shape.

3. Cranial Remodelling Orthoses (CRO)

For moderate to severe cases of flat head syndrome or when repositioning and therapy have not been effective, cranial remodelling orthoses (CRO), such as the ROKband, are recommended. These ROKbands are custom-designed helmets that gently guide new head growth into the flatter areas to create a more symmetrical shape.

How ROKband Works:

• A 3D scan of your baby’s head is used to create a custom-designed device, by certified orthotists, tailored to their specific needs.

• The helmet holds and protects areas of the skull with extra volume while allowing growth in the flatter areas.

• Worn for 20-23 hours a day, the device ensures consistent correction while accommodating natural growth. To ensure your baby adjusts comfortably, we gradually ease them into full-time wear over a 5 day period, starting with shorter wear times and increasing time as they adapt.

When to Consider a CRO:

• If your baby is 4 months old or greater and moderate to severe flattening is present.

• If repositioning and therapy have not yielded significant improvement.

• Since the skull remains malleable and continues to grow rapidly, treatment with a CRO is most effective when started between 4-6 months of age, however treatment is possible up to 18 months.

Why Choose ROKband for Cranial Remodelling:

• Custom-Designed: Each ROKband is uniquely crafted based on a 3D scan of your baby’s head.

• Lightweight and Comfortable: ROKbands are half the weight and a third of the thickness of traditional helmets, ensuring your baby’s comfort.

• Breathable Materials: Engineered ventilation keeps the ROKband up to 4 degrees cooler, minimizing sweating and irritation.

• Proven Results: Many families see visible improvements within weeks of starting treatment.

Preventative measures are most effective during the first few months of life, ideally from birth to around 4 months of age, when the skull is at its most malleable state, and natural head shape correction is easiest to achieve. Even if your baby hasn’t developed flat spots, taking early action can help reduce the risk of flat head syndrome.

Tips for Prevention:

• Start Tummy Time Early: Introduce tummy time from birth and gradually increase the duration as your baby grows stronger. By 3-4 months, aim for at least 20-40 minutes daily, broken into shorter sessions.

• Rotate Sleeping Positions: Alternate the direction your baby’s head faces in the crib each night to reduce prolonged pressure on one area.

• Encourage Head Movement: Use toys and sounds to motivate your baby to turn their head in both directions, promoting balanced neck and muscle development.

• Limit Reclined Positions: Minimize time spent in car seats, swings, and bouncers to prevent extended pressure on the back of the head.

• Regularly Check for Head Shape Changes: Routinely observe your baby’s head shape and positioning, making small adjustments as needed to encourage even growth. If you notice persistent flattening or asymmetry, consider seeking guidance from a pediatric health professional.

If you’re unsure about the severity of your baby’s flat head syndrome or whether treatment is necessary, scheduling a free head shape assessment is a valuable first step. We recommend bringing your baby in for an initial assessment between 4-6 months of age, as this is when intervention is most effective. However, we assess and treat babies up to 18 months of age.

During this assessment, trained professionals use advanced 3D scanning technology to evaluate your baby’s head shape with precision. Based on the results, we provide personalized recommendations on whether repositioning techniques, pediatric therapy, or cranial remodelling orthoses (CRO) may be beneficial.

Why Choose ROKband for Your Baby’s Head Shape Assessment?

✔ No referral needed – You don’t have to wait for a doctor’s approval.

✔ No wait times – Appointments can typically be scheduled within a week.

✔ Second free scan option – If repositioning is recommended, we offer a second complimentary scan after a few weeks to monitor improvement before deciding on treatment.

Early assessment ensures the widest range of treatment options and the best possible outcomes for your baby’s head shape. Take the first step today by booking a free head shape assessment with ROKband!

Conclusion: Tailored Solutions for Every Baby

Every baby is unique, and the best treatment for flat head syndrome depends on their specific needs, age, and the severity of the condition. Whether it’s repositioning, therapy, or a custom-designed cranial remodelling orthosis like the ROKband, early action ensures the best outcomes for your baby’s head shape and overall development.

Take the first step today by scheduling a free head shape assessment at ROKband. Together, we’ll help your baby grow with a healthy, symmetrical head shape and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.