Understanding Flat Head Syndrome in Babies: When to Seek Help at 7 Months
As parents, noticing anything unusual about your baby’s development can instantly trigger worry. One common concern is positional plagiocephaly, or “flat head syndrome,” which often becomes noticeable around 4–7 months. If your baby has a flat spot on their skull at this age, you might wonder: Is this normal? Should we be concerned? Let’s break down what you need to know.
What Is Positional Plagiocephaly?
Positional plagiocephaly refers to a flattened area on a baby’s head, typically caused by prolonged pressure on one part of the soft skull. This can happen when babies spend too much time lying on their backs (the recommended sleep position to reduce SIDS risk) or favor one side when resting. While it’s most common on the back of the head, flat spots can also develop on the sides.
Another related condition is congenital muscular torticollis, where tight neck muscles limit a baby’s ability to turn their head, leading to asymmetrical head positioning. Both issues often go hand-in-hand, as restricted neck movement can worsen flat spots.
Why Does This Happen at 7 Months?
By 7 months, many babies are more active during the day—rolling, sitting, or even crawling. However, some still spend significant time lying down, especially during naps or nighttime sleep. If your baby has developed a preference for turning their head to one side (due to positioning in the womb, birth trauma, or habit), the skull’s soft bones may mold into a flat shape over time.
While mild flattening is common and often resolves with time, parents tend to notice it more around 6–7 months as their baby’s hair grows and head shape becomes more visible.
When Should You Worry?
The good news is that most cases of positional plagiocephaly are cosmetic and don’t affect brain development. However, there are signs that warrant a pediatrician’s evaluation:
1. Severe asymmetry: If the flat spot is very pronounced, or if facial features (like ears or eyes) appear misaligned.
2. Limited head movement: Difficulty turning the head in both directions may indicate torticollis.
3. No improvement: If repositioning efforts don’t lead to gradual improvement by 7–8 months.
4. Associated delays: Rarely, severe plagiocephaly might coincide with developmental delays, though this isn’t necessarily causal.
Your pediatrician will examine your baby’s head shape, check for torticollis, and rule out rare conditions like craniosynostosis (premature fusion of skull bones), which requires medical intervention.
What Can You Do at Home?
Early intervention is key. At 7 months, there’s still time to encourage natural rounding of the head, though progress may be slower than in younger infants. Try these strategies:
1. Tummy Time, Tummy Time, Tummy Time
Aim for at least 30–60 minutes of supervised tummy time daily. This strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, reducing pressure on the skull. Make it fun with toys, mirrors, or joining your baby on the floor.
2. Alternate Positions
During play, position your baby so they turn their head away from the flat side. For example, place toys or a mobile on their non-preferred side. When holding or feeding, switch arms to encourage balanced head movement.
3. Limit Time in Restrictive Gear
Reduce use of car seats, swings, or bouncers when not necessary. These devices can increase pressure on the head.
4. Adjust Sleep Position (Safely)
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, but alternate the direction they face in the crib each night. Babies tend to look toward the room, so changing the crib’s orientation encourages them to turn their head both ways.
5. Physical Therapy
If torticollis is present, a physical therapist can teach you gentle stretches to improve neck mobility.
When Is a Helmet Needed?
Helmet therapy (cranial orthosis) is sometimes recommended for moderate to severe cases, typically between 4–12 months. However, opinions vary on its effectiveness, especially for older infants. Research suggests helmets work best when started earlier (around 6 months) and worn 23 hours daily for 3–6 months.
At 7 months, your pediatrician may recommend a helmet if:
– The flattening is severe and not improving with repositioning.
– There’s significant facial asymmetry.
– Your baby is younger than 12 months (skull bones remain malleable).
However, many experts argue that helmets aren’t always necessary. A 2014 study in Pediatrics found that helmets and repositioning had similar outcomes by age 2. Always discuss risks, costs, and alternatives with your doctor.
Long-Term Outlook
Most babies see significant improvement by age 2 as they become more mobile and spend less time lying down. Even without treatment, flat spots often become less noticeable as hair grows and the face matures. That said, addressing the issue at 7 months gives your baby the best chance for natural correction.
Prevention Tips for Future Babies
If you’re planning for another child, these habits can reduce the risk of plagiocephaly:
– Start tummy time from day one (even for 1–2 minutes at a time).
– Alternate the arm you hold your baby during feeds.
– Use a firm, flat sleep surface and avoid positional pillows.
Final Thoughts: Stay Calm but Proactive
A flat head at 7 months is rarely a cause for panic, but it’s worth addressing. Focus on increasing movement opportunities, reducing pressure on the skull, and consulting your pediatrician for personalized advice. With patience and consistency, most babies achieve a more symmetrical head shape naturally. Remember, you’re not alone—many parents navigate this temporary bump in the road (pun intended!).
Please indicate: Thinking In Educating » Understanding Flat Head Syndrome in Babies: When to Seek Help at 7 Months