Preventing Plagiocephaly aka Flathead Syndrome
What is Flathead Syndrome?
Technically known as Positional Plagiocephaly, Flathead Syndrome is where the baby's head has an irregular shape caused by external forces. Perhaps the most common risk factor or “external force” results from commonly used products like carseats, cribs, and rockers. As the baby's head flattens, it will naturally rest on that flat area, exacerbating the problem.
Did you know?
1 in 2 infants are diagnosed with Positional Plagiocephaly (aka Flathead Syndrome) every year in the US.
What are the Longterm Effects of Flathead Syndrome?
The most common concern among parents, of course, is “Will there be developmental and health problems as my child grows?” Studies show that there is in fact a link between neurological development delays, specifically motor skills, and untreated flathead syndrome.
One study from 2010 comparing neurological development of infants found that 6-month-olds with untreated Plagiocephaly did show a significant delay, compared to infants in the same age range without head shape deformities. Dr. Speltz, the head of research for this study, recommended that “pediatricians pay close attention to the developmental rate of children with plagiocephaly (1)”
Another undeniable long term complication is not being able to safely wear helmets due to the fact that most helmets are made for “standard” heads, causing issues in both leisure and professional situations. It’s also hard to ignore the fact that head shape deformities can sadly affect psychological wellbeing as a result of prejudice and bullying.
"It is a mistake...
to classify plagiocephaly as a low priority or minor cosmetic issue and not provide early treatment, because the opportunity to intervene occurs while an infant’s skull bones are still mouldable.” (2)
What are the Preventions and Treatment Options for Flathead Syndrome?
If prevention methods are not taken, treatment options can be expensive and difficult to implement. The most common treatment is Helmet Therapy. Averaging $4,000 out-of-pocket costs to parents and not covered by insurance, helmets are only effective for those families that can afford them. Plus, these require weekly appointments for resizing and must be worn by the baby nearly 24 hours a day.
In addition to the cost, appointments, and struggle of your baby needing to wear them constantly, at least one randomized, controlled trial found that helmet therapy was no more effective than no intervention. (3)
Other options parents turn to for a potential solution are Head Positioners or Baby Pillows. These are sold with the intent to cradle the infant's head providing space between the pillow and flat surface, thus removing the pressure. However, these can be very dangerous as the soft material does not allow a baby to breathe if they roll sideways. Plus, the design may cause the baby's head to raise too high and cause additional neck injuries. THESE ARE ADVISED AGAINST BY MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.
Now, let's talk prevention
Our Infant Support Device is the first solution scientifically proven to reduce pressure on your baby. It eases the transition from #WombtoWorld by safely mimicking the ergonomics of being held. This patented design cradles infants the way nature intended, providing healthy weight distribution for their tiny body. The unique design relieves pressure from the back of the head, limiting known environmental risks of Flathead Syndrome.
It is the first and only infant support device proven to provide the environment necessary in preventing Flathead Syndrome. The design offers 100% breathability and healthy weight distribution, allowing your little one to rest or lounge safely outside a parent’s arms.
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(1) Matthew L. Speltz, Brent R. Collett, Marni Stott-Miller, Jacqueline R. Starr, Carrie Heike, Antigone M. Wolfram-Aduan, Darcy King and Michael L. Cunningham. “Case-Control Study of Neurodevelopment in Deformational Plagiocephaly”. PEDIATRICS Volume 125, Number 3 (2010)
(2) Steinmann, Laura C. “Strictly Clinical.” (2016).
(3) Van Wijk RM, van Vlimmeren La, Groothuis-Oudshoorn CGM, Van der Ploeg CPB, IJzerman MJ, Boere-Boonekamp MM. Helmet therapy in infants with positional skull deformation: randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2014; 348: g2741.
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