flattening of the head

Jennifer - posted on 04/03/2009

My son had to wear a helmet for 4 months to correct his flattened head. It more for cosmetic reasons then anything acording to the doctor. Our son's biggest issue was that his ears were no longer symetrical so if we didn't correct his head shape he would have to have custome made bike helmets or sports helmets in the future. We figued in the long run it would cost more getting helmets custome made verses the almost $3000 it cost for the helmet to correct. His head is near perfect now and I wouldn't have changed our decision. The helmet never did really bother Raiden, only the first few days when he had to sleep with it on. Sometimes I wish he still had to wea it because he is so accident prone lol.

Mary - posted on 03/30/2009

I don't really think it's all that bad....I just notice it cause I know it's there...a few people have asked me what I am talking about when I mention it....cause they can't tell....I am a first time mom and I tend to worry a little to much, LOL....but I just want to be 100% sure it won't cause problems.

Jessica - posted on 03/30/2009

If the doc says he's fine then I would try not to worry about it. My friends son has it too and he is healthy and fine. hope the appointment goes well and you get the answers you are looking for.

Mary - posted on 03/30/2009

I tried all that Jessica.....I always switched the way I held him every time I picked him up and I moved him around in his crib and nothing worked...his neck muscles were not to tighet cause the doctor said they weren't when he checked him over....Jayden wanted to lay the way he wanted to and we wern't going to change that, LOL

His head is still flat on one side but it isn't noticable now that his hair has grown.  The doctor still says he is fine but when I give Jayden his bath and his hair is wet I can see how  flat it is and it bothers me.  It did get better than it was when he was small but it is still flat.  Jayden has another appointment in May and I am going to talk to the doctor again about it just to be 100% sure he is ok.

Jessica - posted on 03/30/2009

One reason for flattening is always holding them one way or laying them down on one side. My daughter started getting it so now we switch it up more.

Sara - posted on 03/27/2009

My baby girl has the same thing--flattening on one side of the head. She had to get a few x-rays to ensure that the sutures of her skull weren't fused together. Everything turned out alright. My doctor told me that she could be favoring that one side because the muscles in the one side of her neck might be stiff--even though she can turn her head to the other side as well. He told me to massage that part of her neck for her gently. Other than that, I try to keep her sitting up more so she isn't on her back--wanting to turn her head to that side. It'll eventually mold it self into shape.

The helmet isn't a bad idea, but I would think it would be uncomfortable for baby. So, I'm going to wait things out to see if it molds itself to the way it's supposed to be. Already, I see it isn't as flat on the one side as it was before. Good luck ;c)

Mary - posted on 02/13/2009

well I had good news at the doctors....Jayden doesn't need any help for his head.  the doctor said it wasn't bad at all and in fact it has gotten better since he started sleeping on his tummy and isn't on his head as much.  I hope things get better for you as well.

Mary - posted on 02/07/2009

Quoting JESS:

Please do let me know how it turns out. We are getting Lucien casted for a helmet next week. Atleast it will all be said and done in 6 months tops..... 

I will def keep you posted.  I am in the process of switching my sons doctor because I am never able to get ahold of him and he keeps canceling appointments and not telling me.  On Monday we go sighn papers to have him transfered and we will be making his appointment then.  So I will let you know how it works out!

JESS - posted on 02/06/2009

Quoting Mary:

I am going through kinda the same thing...My son has a flat head on one side from sleeping on his back.  He refused to turn his head and favored that one side.  It wasn't that he couldn't turn his head because he could...I saw him do it all the time but the min he was on his back or in his swing he would turn his head to that one side.  I am going to the doctor for Jayden's 6 month check up soon and am goin gto be talking to my doctor about this then so I will let you know anything I might find out.

Please do let me know how it turns out. We are getting Lucien casted for a helmet next week. Atleast it will all be said and done in 6 months tops..... 

JESS - posted on 02/06/2009

Quoting Melany:

Quoting JESS:

flattening of the head

When my son was born he was almost 10 pounds. He was emergency c-section due to his size. They had used a vaccuum in an attempt to get him out vaginally, but it didnt work. It did, however cause his head to swell quite a bit on one side; causing him to have a conehead. 7 months later, his head is now flattening on one side (kind of diagonally). I know this is partially due to the whole sleeping on their backs to avoid SIDS. But my question is that my doctor has suggested a helmet to help correct the head shape. He says it will be corrected in 3-4 months; but he has to wear it 24/7. Does anyone have info on the helmets, or have you experienced this with your kids?

My son was  diagnosed with tortocolis, causing flat head.  He has been scanned and having his helmet fitted. The way it was explained to me.. anything under 6mm is able to "fix",on it's own. 7 to 18 is moderate (my son being 11.7) 18 or above is severe.  He has been in physical therepay since 8 weeks old.  He will have to continue for a while. THe helmet he will have to wear for three months, 23 hours a day.  Christopher hit all catagories that causes this, 1) he dropped in womb at only 6 months 2) premature 3) sleeping on his back 4) tortocolis .. which is caused from dropping so early. With my medical, the deductible needs to be paid in full, and then they cover 80% OF IT.  Check to see if there is any organizations around you that will help with expenses, example Shriners. If I can help any other way, let me know.

Okay, I wanted to give you an update. Thank you by the way for talking to me about this. Its been hard as Im sure you know.  We have decided to go with the helmet.  We go in next week for the casting.   He has been diagnosed plagiocephaly torticollis.   If you don't mind, you wanna keep in touch throughout this to see how things go?

Melany - posted on 02/03/2009

Quoting JESS:

flattening of the head

When my son was born he was almost 10 pounds. He was emergency c-section due to his size. They had used a vaccuum in an attempt to get him out vaginally, but it didnt work. It did, however cause his head to swell quite a bit on one side; causing him to have a conehead. 7 months later, his head is now flattening on one side (kind of diagonally). I know this is partially due to the whole sleeping on their backs to avoid SIDS. But my question is that my doctor has suggested a helmet to help correct the head shape. He says it will be corrected in 3-4 months; but he has to wear it 24/7. Does anyone have info on the helmets, or have you experienced this with your kids?

My son was  diagnosed with tortocolis, causing flat head.  He has been scanned and having his helmet fitted. The way it was explained to me.. anything under 6mm is able to "fix",on it's own. 7 to 18 is moderate (my son being 11.7) 18 or above is severe.  He has been in physical therepay since 8 weeks old.  He will have to continue for a while. THe helmet he will have to wear for three months, 23 hours a day.  Christopher hit all catagories that causes this, 1) he dropped in womb at only 6 months 2) premature 3) sleeping on his back 4) tortocolis .. which is caused from dropping so early. With my medical, the deductible needs to be paid in full, and then they cover 80% OF IT.  Check to see if there is any organizations around you that will help with expenses, example Shriners. If I can help any other way, let me know.

Mary - posted on 02/02/2009

I am going through kinda the same thing...My son has a flat head on one side from sleeping on his back.  He refused to turn his head and favored that one side.  It wasn't that he couldn't turn his head because he could...I saw him do it all the time but the min he was on his back or in his swing he would turn his head to that one side.  I am going to the doctor for Jayden's 6 month check up soon and am goin gto be talking to my doctor about this then so I will let you know anything I might find out.

Susan - posted on 01/31/2009

I too had an emergency c section after they tried to use a vacuum to get my little one out. When she was born her face was huge and swollen and it went down after a week or so. She was a bit conheaded but that seemed to go away. So yes, I have had a similar experience, but no, I have never been told to use a helmet. I wish I could help you further.