FRIDAY, May 2, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Some babies develop a flat area on their head from lying in the same position for long periods of time, but special helmets are ineffective in treating the condition, a new study finds.

How effective are helmets for plagiocephaly?

Among infants with mild-to-moderate plagiocephaly, helmet therapy was rated successful in 83 percent of those who started before 24 weeks. The success rate decreased to 69 percent for infants starting treatment between 24 and 32 weeks and 40 percent when treatment was started at 32 weeks or later.

Is a helmet necessary for flat head?

Helmet therapy for plagiocephaly is always a choice; it's never mandatory. It can be helpful in the right situation, but it's not always needed. The head shape does often get better, with or without the use of a helmet.

Will baby's flat head correct itself?

In milder cases, flat head syndrome should correct itself naturally. In the case of positional moulding and deformities that occur during birth, these do often correct themselves throughout the early months of life. This can also be the case for babies who have developed a flat head after they are born.

When is it too late to correct a flat head?

After 14 months of age, we won't consider treatment as the flat head syndrome treatment we offer becomes notably less effective. After 14 months, the skull bones have begun to harden and the growth rate slows dramatically, giving less opportunity for correction using a TiMband helmet.

Plagiocephaly and its treatment | Boston Children’s Hospital

How long do babies wear helmets for flat head?

They're usually made of plastic with a foam lining, and they look similar to a kid's bicycle helmet. Depending on his condition, your baby may wear the helmet for a month or two to as long as six months. Most doctors will instruct you to leave the helmet on for 23 hours each day, removing it only for bathtime.

Is 6 months too late for helmet?

Is it too late to seek treatment? It is probably not too late, although your baby's skull growth has definitely slowed down by now. Some helmet manufacturers will “band” babies up to 24 months old; however, treatment within the first year is found to be most effective.

Can you correct a flat head at 4 months?

The best correction results can be achieved when treatment is started between 4 and 12 months, as the bones in the skull are still malleable.

How can I fix my 4 month olds flat head?

1. Practice tummy time. Provide plenty of supervised time for your baby to lie on the stomach while awake during the day. ...
2. Vary positions in the crib. Consider how you lay your baby down in the crib. ...
3. Hold your baby more often. ...
4. Change the head position while your baby sleeps.

Can you fix a baby's flat head without helmet?

Plagiocephaly Treatment Without a Helmet. In 77% of cases, milder plagiocephaly can be corrected sufficiently without the need for a helmet, through what is known as repositioning.

Will plagiocephaly fix itself?

Treatment of plagiocephaly

Often, mild plagiocephaly doesn't need treatment. It's likely to fix itself as your baby grows. This is because your baby's head shape will naturally improve as her head grows and her gross motor skills develop.

How do doctors determine if a baby needs a helmet?

Your doctor will check your baby's head size and shape at each well-child visit. These visits happen about every 2 months during infancy. If your baby has a large flat spot that isn't getting better by about 4 months of age, your doctor may prescribe a helmet.

How does tummy time help flat head?

Tummy time helps strengthen babies' necks. It gets them off the back of their heads where flatness can occur and leads to strengthening of the extensors (straightening muscles) in the back of the neck, which hold the head up when babies are on their stomachs.

What happens if plagiocephaly is untreated?

If congenital plagiocephaly, which is caused by craniosynostosis, is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including: Head deformities, possibly severe and permanent. Increased pressure inside the head. Seizures.

What is considered mild plagiocephaly?

Mild Plagiocephaly

Very often babies will be born with a slight head deformity. Sometimes you might notice it while other times you may not. When your baby's head gets measured and has a Cephalic Ratio of 91 to 93 mm and a Cranial Vault Asymmetry (CVA) of 5 to 9 mm, we refer to this as mild plagiocephaly.

Does plagiocephaly get better with age?

Head shape and developmental delay associated with deformational plagiocephaly usually improve by age 4 years.

Can flat head correct itself after 6 months?

When does flat head syndrome go away? Flat head syndrome is most common between the ages of 6 weeks and 2 months old, and almost always resolve completely by age 2, particularly if parents and caregivers regularly work on varying baby's positions when he's awake.

Should I worry about my babies flat head?

Some children are at heightened risk of flat head syndrome, such as premature babies, those with a challenging birth, or who have torticollis (also known as wry or twisted neck), so you should not feel guilty if your child has a flat head. If concerned at any time, you should seek advice from a health professional.

How long should tummy time be at 4 months?

Aim for around 20 to 30 minutes a day of baby tummy time by the time he is 3 or 4 months old. Then keep the practice up until baby can roll over on his own, a feat many babies accomplish around 6 or 7 months of age.

Do pillows help with flat head?

There are also so-called positional pillows marketed to help with flat head syndrome, to move a child off the flat spot. "We use pillows all the time for plagiocephaly in the NICU where the infant can be observed," Taub says, adding that positional pillows are OK just so long as a parent is watching the child.

Does flat head affect brain development?

Flat head syndrome doesn't affect a baby's brain growth. But having a stiff neck can slow early development. Physical therapy for torticollis should include a check of the baby's progress and extra exercises to treat any delays.

Do baby helmets cause brain damage?

One of the most common concerns many parents have whether plagiocephaly has an effect on the brain and what cranial remoulding will have on their baby – can it cause brain damage? The good news is that plagiocephaly and flat head syndrome do not affect brain development or cause brain damage.

How much does helmet therapy cost?

Helmets to treat flattened skulls range in price from $1,300 to $3,000, and parents are told to make sure infants wear them around the clock.

Are baby helmets worth it?

PRACTICE CHANGER. Do not recommend helmet therapy for positional skull deformity in infants and children. Wearing a helmet causes adverse effects but does not alter the natural course of head growth. B: Based on a single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT).

Can adults fix flat head?

Although it is not possible to undertake major skull reshaping surgery in adults, the situation can often be improved by reshaping the outer layers of the skull (burring) or by inserting implants to improve skull shape. Small irregularities can be treated with fat transfer.