Ashley Scully, a pediatric Occupational Therapist from Tiny Transformations, explains flat head syndrome! Prevention and early identification are key!
Flat head syndrome develops when a baby’s soft skull becomes flattened, due to repeated pressure on one part of the head. Babies’ heads are soft and pliable and even gentle forces, whether met in the womb or in the baby’s daily routine, can cause misshaping. The good news is babies with flat head syndrome, if diagnosed and treated early, respond very well to conservative techniques!
The goal of conservative treatment is to shift the baby off of flattened areas to allow the head to grow with more symmetry. At Tiny Transformations, trained Occupational and Physical Therapists are able to support you and your baby at home! They work to develop and implement individualized treatment plans to address your baby’s specific needs, promoting appropriate development and improving head shape.
The following positioning techniques are often implemented in a baby’s treatment plan for flat head syndrome, along with other treatment strategies. Using these positions can also help prevent flat head syndrome and promote symmetrical growth in your baby’s skull.
I. Tummy Time: There is no such thing as a baby spending too much time spent on their tummy. By spending more time on their stomachs, babies will also be working on their neck strength, which will help to promote age-appropriate motor milestones. Tummy time can be done on the floor, over a pillow or boppy, or on even a parent’s chest to improve tolerance.
II. Side-Lying play: During the awake time, support your baby on their side with your hand or a towel/pillow; allow for play in this position. This position will get your child off their back, provide new sensory experiences, and will work on strengthening different muscle groups.
III. Active head rotation to both left and right side: If you notice your child has a preference to look one way, it is important to encourage active neck rotation to the more difficult side. This can be achieved by placing toys on that side and by always approaching your child (while on the changing table, in the bath, while eating, or while sleeping) from the more difficult side.
IV. Avoid time spent in “containers”: Avoid spending prolonged periods of time in a car seat, swing, stroller, or bouncer, if possible. Try to have your baby on a floor mat or in a play yard as much as possible.
Tiny Transformations is currently offering in-home appointments throughout Northern New Jersey, including Montclair and the surrounding towns! If you have concerns regarding your baby’s head shape, contact via phone or email to find out how Tiny Transformations can best support your family.
Tiny Transformations is currently offering in-home appointments throughout Northern New Jersey, including Montclair and the surrounding towns! Contact us via phone or email to find out how Tiny Transformations can best support your family.
 | Tiny Transformations: Pediatric Physical and Occupational Therapy |
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