Parents often notice mild deformities in their baby’s skull and naturally begin to worry. Is this normal? Is this a problem? Will this go away on its on? What do we do about it? There can be normal reasons for a baby to have an abnormally shaped head. Passing through the birth canal can temporarily deform the baby’s head. This will normally resolve itself in a few weeks. However, if any flat spots or abnormal shaping are still apparent, some intervention may be required to correct the problem. Owens Carolina will work with your physician to find the best resolution.
Using the shapes below, look down at your baby’s head from above. The dotted lines represent the basic head shape. This will help determine if there is a potential problem.
Head Shape Conditions
Brachycephaly is an abnormally wide head shape resulting from a central flattening of the back of the head. A bulging forehead and increased height at the back of the head may be noticed from the side view. This shape can also be asymmetrical.
Plagiocephaly presents as an asymmetrical head shape. The back of one side of the head will be flattened. This may push the forehead and ear on the same side forward.
Scaphocephaly presents as a long, narrow shape from the top view. You may notice the forehead and back of the head bulging in the side view.
Frequently Asked Questions
For starters, the whole family is invited. Mom, Dad, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. You will probably come with many questions, and it is important to us that you know the whole picture. If you need time to think about things, the first visit can be for education only. Should you decide to proceed, you will find the technology fascinating. No cast are made, because the whole process is digital. A scan is made of your baby’s head. The model needed to make the helmet is prepared from the scanning. We make it our goal to make every visitor feel comfortable and welcome.
The reasons can vary. The physical environment the baby is in can be a factor. The way the baby lies in the womb and if there are twins can have an effect. However, most issues of head shape that originate in the womb, will generally resolve in a few weeks after birth. If it does not, your pediatrician may recommend a molding helmet. Because a premature infant will spend more of it’s time laying in a crib, there is a thought that this can lead to the necessity for intervention. Torticollis is a condition in which one neck muscle is weaker than the opposite muscle. This can result in the uneven pull of the head to one side. This being the case, the infant will lay on it’s back with the head tilted to one side. The result can be asymmetry of the head. Because of the recommendation that babies no longer be left to sleep on their stomachs the amount of back laying time has greatly increased.
The best time for cranial molding to be effective is 4 to 10 months of age, with 10 months being the time that the treatment begins to become less effective. If treatment is initiated after 10 months, it may be necessary to wear the helmet longer because growth of the head slows after this time. The length of time in the helmet is about 4 to 6 months.
Not at all. It will be necessary to inspect the skin to make sure there is no breakdown. You will be instructed on what to look for. The babies do not experience any discomfort. Fact is, your baby will never remember the event. Take plenty of pictures so you can show them later. If there is any trauma, it comes from the parents. We are here to partner with you to see a successful outcome.
You will be given instructions on how to care for the skin and issues to look for. For starters, it’s important to keep the helmet clean. It should be washed daily and dried before placing it back on the baby’s head. It is important to keep the scalp clean. Your daily routine for bathing should be adequate.
There will be follow up appointments. You will be set up on a schedule that allows for changes to be made as your baby progresses. We will monitor the treatment, and make sure all is going well. We are available for in between visits. If there is something you specifically want us to check, you can face time us or send a picture. We are in this together, and we will be with you till you no longer need us.
