Frequently-Asked-Questions-About-Positional-Plagiocephaly: Truth, Myths & Expert Insights

Positional plagiocephaly may be long term, but it is just the flat area on the back or the side of the baby head. Most of the parents observe this when a baby always keeps his/her head to a certain position. It is extremely common and the good thing is that most of the cases do not turn out to be serious. In the given article, we shall solve the frequently-asked-questions-about-positional-plagiocephaly by the help of simple and clear words. You are a new parent or you are simply concerned of your baby having a strange head shape, so this guide will help you learn the facts and feel better.

What is positional plagiocephaly?

Positional plagiocephaly occurs when a baby has a flat part of his/her head. It may happen when the baby lays on the same side all the time. Babies are born with soft skulls and so the pressure at one point would alter the shape of their head

Is positional plagiocephaly dangerous?

No, it is actually not dangerous. With time, movement and tummy time most babies grow out of it. It does neither influence brain development nor cognitive ability. However, early treatment is good to assist in head shape.

What causes positional plagiocephaly?

They can be many:

• Sleeping only on the back or on one side.
• Stiff muscles on the neck (torticollis).
• Conjoined twins or congestion in the uterus.
• Lack of sufficient tummy time in the day.

How can I tell if my baby has it?

Examine the head of your child facing upwards. In case it is flat or skewed on one side, it can be positional plagiocephaly. You also may observe:

• Mal-alignment of ears.
• One of the cheeks is full and the other one is not.
• Raised up position with a tilted appearance.

When should I be concerned?

If your baby is over 4 months old and he/she still has a flat spot, or he/she is getting a flat spot worse, then it is best to go and see a doctor. A quick bit of early help can really make a big difference.

How is positional plagiocephaly diagnosed?

Doctors tend to examine the head of your baby during regular check-ups. They may use the measurement of the head shape or tight neck muscles. In most cases, there is no need for X-rays or scans.

Can it go away on its own?

Of course it can sometimes clear up without needing much treatment. The head shape just gets better as a baby grows and moves about. Sleeping position changes and tummy time are a great big help.

What is the best age for treatment in positional plagiocephaly ?

In positional plagiocephaly the earlier one starts the better. Between 6 months and birth is the best. The skull is also soft and alterations occur more quickly. It becomes more complicated to repair after 12 months.

What can I do at home to help?

You may attempts:

• The baby should have more awake tummy time.
• Swapping the side in which your baby sleeps.
• Spending more time with your baby as opposed to on swings and in car seats.

These are the little steps that are better when initiated early.

Will my baby need a helmet?

In some circumstances yes. In case of moderate to severe flatness that fails to improve with time, a physician can recommend a helmet. These safe helmets can be used to soft as well as mold the head with time.

Do helmets hurt in Positional plagiocephaly?

No, it is not painful, helmets are not. They are designed soft and light in the inside. In about a day or two, babies become adapted. The helmet is used and many hours every day, and is removed during baths.

Is surgery ever needed in positional plagiocephaly?

Positional plagiocephaly does not require surgery. It is different as surgery is only employed when there is a rare skull complication among the babies known as craniosynostosis.

How long does it take to see changes?

Some babies are different in just a few weeks. For some people, it will happen in a matter of months. The trick is to be consistent with repositioning and exercises.

Is there therapy for this condition?

Yes, pediatric physical therapy for plagiocephaly is very helpful. Exercises that teach therapists how to loosen tight muscles in the neck can be taught as well. They also inform the parents on how to provide assistance at home.

What if I do nothing?

Some moderate flatness may not require any intervention. In case of poor fit by only a little, your baby will most likely even out on his or her own.When it is a moderate or severe curve, overlooking the curve may lead to the curve remaining or even advancing with the age of your baby.

Speak to the doctor of your baby in case you are concerned.

Can plagiocephaly affect vision or jaw alignment?

In some moderate or severe cases, it may lead to:

• Vision problems if one eye moves forward.
• Jaw shifts, making chewing or smiling uneven.
• That’s why early help is best.

Can using baby gear cause it?

Too many hours on car seats, bouncers, and swings can put pressure on the baby’s head. It is fine to use them, but don’t let your infant sleep on them and give your infant time with their tummy or in your arms as well.

Are there pillows that can help?

There is a  positional plagiocephaly pillow sold by some companies. However, doctors advise against the use of these particular sleeping aids, particularly at night hours as they may be risky. Rather than this, focus on the shifting of your baby frequently and altering positions.

What should I ask my doctor?

You may say:

• Does my baby have a normal shape of the head?
• Is there any attempt at repositioning?
• Should we use physical therapy?
• And would a helmet do the help?

Take your questions with you, it does not matter how many questions you ask!

Will this affect my child in the future?

The majority of the children having positional plagiocephaly live healthy, intelligent and joyful lives. Their shape of the head fades as they grow hair and are active.

What if someone makes comments about the flat head?

It is natural to be upset. You are trying your level best. This happens to many parents. Rather, think of what you can do to assist your baby and discuss with your physician in case you are stressed or worried.

Does every baby who sleeps on their back get this?

• No. Lots of infants sleep on their backs and never ever get flat spots. By turning their head from side to side and doing tummy time helps prevent it. On the other hand, sleeping on her back is still nowadays the safest way to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Can I prevent it completely?

You may reduce the risk by:

•  Providing tummy time everyday.
•  Alternating the position of the head of your baby.
•  Spending more time with your baby during the day.

Despite all of this, there is no way that all the babies will avoid developing flat spots, and it is alright.

Is it my fault?

No, it’s not you’re own fault. Babies are tiny and they have a soft head. This may occur even with the best treatment. You are a great parent because you learn and attempt to assist.

What are the long-term effects?

Most of the time, no long issues are involved. The shape of the head will appear more normal as your kidlet grows and the early care can only make it appear better sooner.

What is torticollis and how is it linked?

Torticollis refers to unspread muscles of the neck. The tendency of babies with this condition is to look in one direction thus causing flat spots. Both torticollis and plagiocephaly are assisted by physical therapy.

Can I still breastfeed if my baby has a flat spot?

Yes you may. You may have to shift your holding position of your baby so as to prevent pressure.   A lactation expert or a physical therapist can assist them to be in objectionable positions.

In What Time Can I Improve in positional plagiocephaly?

 Most parents notice results in 4 to 6 weeks when they follow repositioning advice each day. For some babies progress happens so slow. If no improvement is observed during two months, ask your physician if a helmet or therapy could benefit. Follow your baby ‘s head shape by taking the pictures from the above view at a time interval.

Does Flat Head Shape Affect Brain Growth?

No. Positional plagiocephaly flat spots do not affect brain growth or brain functions. A flat spot baby may be very bright and very tough as any other child. It is simply the question of external form, and not internal growth.

Can Bottle Feeding or Breastfeeding Cause Flat Spots?

Why, yes, you can just so long as you feed it on one side all the time.  In Positional plagiocephaly make an effort at changing arms during feeding. With bottle-feeding, you are expected to change the body position of your baby after every several meals. Changes in one side of feeding also will eliminate the pressure on a particular area of the head.

 What is the Place of Parents in Treatment?

Parents are the biggest supporters! All they can control is what happens in the home life like tummy time and babywearing and head turn play to really be an optimal advantage. Doctors and therapists offer instruction, but it is the daily at home care that molds your baby’s head the most.

Real Parent Tip: Don’t Panic Start Small

It is normal to be overwhelmed. All you need to do is remember: one step each day is very helpful. Go out with 5 minutes of tummy time. Tonight I switched to a sleeping position. Spend a little more time holding your baby. These small changes, in the long term, culminate in great changes.

Final Thoughts: What Parents Need to Know Now

The experience of frequently asked questions about positional plagiocephaly can actually be a worrying experience but also an informative one. There is nothing wrong with being afraid, initially. Once you notice the flat place on the head of your baby, your heart may start sinking. But the thing is that you are not on your own. There are thousands of parents who have this issue daily. And in almost any case, it improves.

The condition does not imply that your baby is ill. It does not imply that you have something wrong. It implies that your infant requires some assistance in moving, sitting and growing in different ways. It implies letting them spend some time on their stomachs, light therapy, and cuddling.

Pediatric physical therapy on  positional plagiocephaly is one of the easing care services that most parents believe in their efficacy. Therapists take you and your baby through fun activities which make a huge difference.

Don’t wait. Earlier you interfere, the simpler it is to assist your baby. When parents intervene and undertake little things every day, most of the flat spots tend to be corrected in the shortest time possible. Ask questions. Practice what you have read here. And believe that your love, care, time can not only change the head of your baby, but also your peace of mind.