Pediatric Cleft and Craniofacial Center
Early Intervention for Deformational Plagiocephaly
Posterior
deformational plagiocephaly can
be corrected or improved by either helmet therapy or behavioral
modification (purposeful
repositioning). There are several ways to reposition your baby
to help correct the shape of his head. Below are some tips that
may help you to successfully reposition your baby. You can begin
following these tips as soon as you notice a flat spot developing
on your baby's head.
-
Place all objects of interest on the opposite side of the
flat spot. If your baby has a flat spot on the right side
of
his or her head, place everything on the left side.
-
At bedtime or during naps do not lay your baby on the flat
spot. Place him or her on the opposite side. DO NOT PLACE
YOUR CHILD ON HIS/HER
STOMACH TO SLEEP.
-
Roll a small receiving blanket up and place it under the
fitted sheet of the crib to prevent your baby from rolling
over.
Make sure the blanket is under the shoulder and bottom.
-
Limit time in car seats, swings, and bouncy seats. It your
baby is in these things for long periods of time roll a wash
cloth up and place it next to the head so it helps him or her
to look in the opposite direction of the flat spot.
-
Carry your child in a chest sling, up right.
-
Supervised "tummy time" is a great prevention to deformational
plagiocephaly. Most babies do not appreciate "tummy time"
but
will get more comfortable with it over time. Start out with
small increments of time and gradually increase the length
of
time. This is a great time for you to interact with your infant.
Get down to his or her level and play peek-a-boo or show
toys of
interest.
-
If your baby is bottle-fed try feeding him so he
or she is not lying on the flat spot. For example, if your
baby has a flat spot on the right side try feeding him or her
in your
right
arm. This will encourage your child to look to the left. This
will be awkward if you are right-handed but with time will
begin
to feel more comfortable.
With patience, time, and persistence you can be successful at
repositioning your infant, which will help change the shape
of his or her head. We are more than happy to meet you and your
baby and
give
additional information or support. Please feel free to call
and
make an appointment.
Positioning, physical therapy, and helmeting if necessary, will
continue for the first year of the child's life. The cranium
grows rapidly during this period and these measures will provide
the best chance for complete correction of deformational plagiocephaly.
Usually, the cranial molding helmet is worn between five and
six months of life up until twelve months of life. In special
circumstances it may be necessary for a child to wear a helmet
until the age of eighteen months.
Contact Us
To contact the Center or a team member, please call 585-273-FACE.
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