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Baby's head shape: What's normal?
Helmets and head shape
Varying a baby's head position is typically enough to prevent or treat flat spots. If the lopsidedness doesn't improve within a few months, your baby's doctor might prescribe a special headband or molded helmet to help shape your baby's head. These devices work by applying gentle but constant pressure in an effort to redirect skull growth.
Headbands and helmets are most effective when treatment begins by age 4 to 6 months, when the skull is still malleable and the brain is growing rapidly. The headband or helmet is worn continuously during the treatment period — often about 12 weeks — with time off only to clean the device and the skin underneath. Adjustments to the headband or helmet may be needed every one to two weeks. Correction may be possible for older babies, too, but the headband or helmet may need to be worn longer.
More-serious causes
Rarely, two or more of the bony plates in a baby's head fuse prematurely. This rigidity pushes other parts of the head out of shape as the brain expands. This condition, known as craniosynostosis, is typically treated during infancy. To give the brain enough space to grow and develop, the fused bones must be surgically separated.
Keep it in perspective
If you spend too much time worrying about your baby's head shape, you may miss some of the fun of being a new parent. In a few short months, better head and neck control will help your baby keep pressure more evenly distributed on the skull. Until then, change your baby's position often — and check with your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's head shape.
Previous page(2 of 2)
- Persing J, et al. Prevention and management of positional skull deformities in infants. Pediatrics. 2003;112:199.
- Kaur H, et al. Physical examination of the newborn. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:757.
- Amer A, et al. Plagiocephaly. In: McInerny TK, et al. American Academy of Pediatrics Textbook of Pediatric Care. Elk Grove Village, Ill.: American Academy of Pediatrics; 2009:2433.
- Positional molding helmet/band therapy. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patient_e/positional_molding_helmet.asp. Accessed Sept. 17, 2009.
