they may be uncomfortable and distressing for your baby.your baby will need to be checked every few weeks to monitor their head growth and make any necessary adjustments.they're expensive, typically costing around £2,000.
HEAD SHAPES SKIN
they often cause problems such as skin irritation and rashes.there isn't clear evidence to suggest they work.
Treatment is started when the child's skull is still soft, usually at around 5 or 6 months old, and the device is worn almost continuously (up to 23 hours a day) for several months.īut these helmets and headbands generally aren't recommended because: These devices apply pressure to "bulging" parts of the skull and relieve pressure from other parts, potentially allowing growth in the flatter areas. There are specially designed helmets and headbands that some people claim can help improve the shape of a baby's skull as they grow. If your baby has difficulty turning their head, physiotherapy may help loosen and strengthen their neck muscles.Ĭorrective surgery may be needed if they have craniosynostosis.įind out more about how craniosynostosis is treated Helmets, headbands and mattresses
reduce the time your baby spends lying on a firm flat surface, such as car seats and prams – try using a sling or front carrier when practical. alternate the side you hold your baby when feeding and carrying. change the position of toys and mobiles in their cot – this will encourage your baby to turn their head on to the non-flattened side. switch your baby between a sloping chair, a sling and a flat surface – this ensures there isn't constant pressure on 1 part of their head. give your baby time on their tummy during the day – encourage them to try new positions during play time, but make sure they always sleep on their back as this is safest for them. To take pressure off the flattened part of your baby's head: The shape of your baby's head should improve naturally over time as their skull develops and they start moving their head, rolling around and crawling. They can examine your baby's head and suggest things you can do to help.Ī slightly flattened head isn't usually anything to worry about, but it's a good idea to get advice early on so you can take steps to stop it getting any worse. Speak to your health visitor or GP if you're concerned about the shape of your baby's head or think they may have problems turning their head. Occasionally, a flattened head can be caused by the plates of the skull joining together too early. neck muscle tightness – this can prevent a baby turning their head a particular way, meaning 1 side of their head is placed under more pressure. being born prematurely – premature babies are more likely to develop a flattened head because their skull is softer when they're born, and they may prefer to rest their head on 1 side at first as they're not yet able to move their head themselves. problems in the womb – pressure can be placed on a baby's head before it's born if they're a bit squashed in the womb or there's a lack of amniotic fluid to cushion them. 
sleeping on their back – the back or side of a baby's head can become flattened as a result of always sleeping on their back, but it's important they do this to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The skull is made up of plates of bone that strengthen and join together as a child gets older.Ī young baby's skull is still relatively soft and can change shape if there's constant pressure on a particular part of their head. What causes plagiocephaly and brachycephaly? Your baby won't experience any pain or other symptoms, or any problems with their general development. In most cases they aren't a major cause for concern, as they don't have any effect on the brain and the head shape will often improve by itself over time. These problems are quite common, affecting around 1 in every 5 babies at some point. brachycephaly – the back of the head becomes flattened, causing the head to widen, and occasionally the forehead bulges out. plagiocephaly – the head is flattened on 1 side, causing it to look asymmetrical the ears may be misaligned and the head looks like a parallelogram when seen from above, and sometimes the forehead and face may bulge a little on the flat side. This is known as flat head syndrome, and there are 2 main types: Babies sometimes develop a flattened head when they're a few months old, usually as a result of them spending a lot of time lying on their back.
0 kommentar(er)
