Flat Heads
QUESTION:
Dear Dr Dunlop,
Another mum recommended me to visit your page. Thank you for providing this service.
I’m concerned my baby has a flat head that she is not growing out of. She is now 6.5 months old and the flat spot at the back of her head is still there even with lots of tummy time and she is sitting up to play. I tried to position her on the side for daytime naps but she always wriggles back onto her back.
A friend suggested I get a helmet for correcting flat spots. Any advice you have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
ANSWER:
Dear J,
Thanks for your question and for visiting Kids Consult.
From what I can see the flatness at the back (known as a brachycepahly) is mild, and definitely doesn't warrant a helmet. I've only ever referred for a helmet once in the last 15 years, and that was because the parents insisted. They didn't get a helmet!
The skull is at its softest until 8 months of age, so most of the change will happen until then. Beyond that however the skull will continue to round out until about 3-4 years of age. A mild brachycephaly is just a cosmetic issue, and will not affect brain growth or development.
If you can successfully position her in sleep from side to side, and have lots of time sitting up when not sleeping, that will help, but really you only need to do your best and not worry too much. If she's rolling in sleep, that is good because she will then lie her head side to side.
Long story short, do the best you can with head positioning, but really all change will happen slowly over the next 3 years or so.
Regards,
Dr Scott Dunlop
Consultant Paediatrician