Baby flat head
I briefly read up on baby flat head syndrome, including its possible causes and impact. Flat head syndrome occurs when an infant’s skull becomes misshapen or flattened due to constant pressure being placed on one side. In extreme cases, this may result in asymmetrical facial growth and visual difficulties in adulthood (eg impact their jaw development or having one ear higher than the other).
Around the one-month mark, I noticed that he had a clear “preference” for tilting his head to the left, which was also his default position when sleeping.
Over time, I noticed some changes in the shape of his head, so I decided to bring it up with my paediatrician. Prior to my visit, I read quite a bit on torticollis condition and suspect he’s facing this issue. He suggested seeing a baby physiotherapist if we were keen to have him assessed further on his condition.
We headed to Optimove, where he was assessed by a physiotherapist. It turned out that he had some tension on the opposite side of his neck, and we were taught some simple exercises to help stretch and strengthen his neck.
After about two months of consistently doing the exercises, we started to see some improvement. He was also more willing to sleep facing the other side.
Throughout this period, we had to be quite intentional about alternating his head position during sleep and relieving the constant pressure on his preferred side. It was a small but important thing that required a lot of consistency and thankfully, we could see gradual progress.
We also headed to Orthopaedia for a technical assessment and to track his progress when he was four months old. Happy to share that helmet therapy isn’t necessary for him! He has sensitive skin and is a naturally sweaty baby. Don’t think he will survive through the helmet therapy without rashes and nuggets of grumpiness.
According to KKH:
- Flat head syndrome affects three in 10 infants by four months of age.
- Early treatment is essential when the baby’s head shape is still malleable.
What I learnt from the clinician at Orthopaedia:
- It’s best to come around 3–4 months of age, when baby’s neck is a little stronger. This is better for the assessment/diagnosis and, if a helmet is deemed necessary, for baby to start wearing it.
- 6 months is still okay, but starting later may mean a longer duration is needed for the head shape to adjust.
- Not all “dimple” pillows are good for treating flat head syndrome. Mimos is a trusted brand with strong research backed.
What isn’t good for baby who has torticollis condition:
- lying in the bouncer for too long (>15min). It will worsen his situation
From my personal experience, managing baby flat head syndrome requires patience and consistency but can be very rewarding. One key realization was how crucial tummy time and alternating head positions during sleep were in relieving constant pressure on the flattened side. I made it a routine to engage my baby in supervised tummy time sessions several times a day, which not only helped in correcting head shape but also supported muscular development. The assessment by a physiotherapist was invaluable. We learned simple neck stretches and exercises tailored to my baby’s specific neck tension, emphasizing gentle, gradual movements to avoid discomfort. These exercises significantly improved my baby’s willingness to turn his head both ways, which contributed to better balance in head shape. I also want to highlight that helmet therapy, although effective in some cases, might not be suitable for every baby—especially those with sensitive skin or a tendency to get sweaty. In our case, the physiotherapy route and mindful repositioning provided visible improvements without the challenges associated with wearing a helmet. It’s important to consult healthcare professionals early, ideally when babies are around 3-4 months old, so they can recommend the best approach depending on the severity and cause. Products like the Mimos pillow, known for being research-backed, can be helpful when chosen with care, but not all pillows marketed for flat head syndrome are effective. From what I gathered, untreated flat head syndrome can affect not only the skull shape but may also influence jaw alignment, hearing, and even social confidence later in life if left uncorrected. Thus, early detection and intervention are essential. Every parent’s journey is unique, but sharing our story encourages others to be proactive and seek professional advice to support their baby's healthy development and well-being.
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