A parents guide
Is something wrong?
Parents often notice mild deformities in their babies’ skulls and naturally begin to worry. Is this normal? Is this a problem? What do we do about it? Will this go away on its own?
It is perfectly normal for your newborn baby to have an abnormal head shape. Abnormal head shapes caused by the birth process should begin to resolve over time, within a few weeks.
However, if any flat spots or abnormal shaping are still apparent, some intervention may be required to correct the problem.
Look down upon your baby’s head from above and compare what you see to the diagrams below.
Your baby’s head shape will likely approximate one of the shapes in our diagram. If it tends toward any but the normocephaly, you should meet and discuss your concerns with your pediatrician, or contact us directly for a free consultation.
Finding solutions
It is important to diagnose the issue immediately, so that treatment options are implemented at the optimal stage of growth. Timing can be crucial: infants grow most rapidly in their early months and typically grow more slowly after 8 months.
Once diagnosed, there are a number of options:
Let nature take her course – Many cases of abnormal head shape resolve on their own without need of any intervention other than trying to keep your baby from spending too much time in one position. Excessive time spent in a car carrier or being left on their backs in a crib can lead to head shape abnormalities. The best way to compensate for the hours your baby spends on his or her back is to spend some quality “tummy time”.
Tummy Time – Provides parents with ideas and activities to make sure your baby gets enough time on his/her tummy throughout the day, while he/she is awake and supervised. These activities include handling, carrying, diapering, positioning, feeding and playing with your baby. Click here for some Tummy Time tips.
STARband – Appletree specializes in corrective helmet therapy for infants who present with deformational plagiocephaly utilizing the STARband helmet from Orthomerica. They are worn 18-23 hours per day and the duration of treatment averages 3 to 4 months depending on the age and rate of growth of the child. These helmets are commonly prescribed and very successful in treating plagiocephaly. Please keep in mind the corrective time period – between 4 months and 12 months. That is the optimum age for correcting the effects of Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly or Scaphocephaly with a cranial remolding helmet such as the STARband.
What to expect
Since 2001, infants have been successfully treated with the STARband.
Once you have a diagnosis from a medical professional, and the recommendation for an Orthotic helmet, bring your baby in for an initial evaluation by our specialists. We will conduct a thorough examination.
Appletree Orthotics is equipped with it’s own state-of-the-art STARscanner. Using digital technology, we will create a perfect image of the current shape of your baby’s head. This baseline image will allow us to optimize your custom STARband, and track treatment progress. The STARscanner is fast and accurate, while still comfortable for your child. This makes it the assessment tool of choice for top hospitals around the world, including Sick Kids Hospital in Toronto.
Following the scan, we will create a custom helmet for your child. You can also choose from a variety of colors and patterns to individualize your STARband and make it special. When the helmet is ready, it’s time for careful custom fitting.
Together, we’ll develop a treatment plan for you to follow. A regular schedule of follow-ups will be established to monitor your baby’s progress. We’ll make adjustments to your STARband from time to time as your baby grows.
