Your baby’s head is precious. You want them to have the perfect head shape, and a helmet can help.
A helmet can help your baby have the perfect head shape. It can protect your baby’s head from bumps and bruises. It can also help your baby’s head to grow in the right shape.
You want your baby to have the perfect head shape. A helmet can help.
1. What is plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is a condition that can affect infants, and an asymmetrical head shape characterizes it. It can occur due to a number of different factors, but it is most commonly seen in babies who spend a lot of time lying on their backs. This is because the back of the head is flattened when it rests against a hard surface for extended periods of time.
Plagiocephaly can lead to cosmetic concerns, as well as problems with hearing and vision. In severe cases, it can cause brain damage. However, it is important to note that plagiocephaly is not a life-threatening condition, and it can be treated successfully in most cases.
The most common treatment for plagiocephaly is the use of a corrective helmet. This is a specialized helmet that is worn by the baby for a period of time, and it helps to reshape the head while the skull is still soft.
2. What causes plagiocephaly?
It’s estimated that between 50% and 70% of babies are born with plagiocephaly, which is a condition where the head is misshapen due to pressure on one side. There are several causes of plagiocephaly, broadly divided into two categories: congenital and acquired.
Congenital plagiocephaly is caused by a problem with the baby’s skull development, which can occur before or during birth. This type of plagiocephaly is often due to craniosynostosis, where the sutures (joints) between the bones of the skull close prematurely. This can occur as a result of a genetic condition, or it may be caused by environmental factors such as maternal smoking or alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Acquired plagiocephaly, on the other hand, is caused by external factors such as positioning and sleeping habits after birth.
Babies who spend a lot of time lying on their backs are more likely to develop plagiocephaly, as this position puts pressure on the back of the head. This pressure can cause the skull to change shape, leading to a flattening of the head. Sleeping in a car seat or bouncer can also put your baby at risk of plagiocephaly, as can spending long periods of time in the anti-roll pillow.
3. How is plagiocephaly treated?
Plagiocephaly can be treated in a few different ways, depending on the severity of the condition. helmet therapy is often recommended for babies with mild to moderate plagiocephaly. This involves wearing a custom-fitted helmet for a period of time, which helps to reshape the head.
For babies with more severe plagiocephaly, surgery may be recommended. This involves correcting the shape of the skull and is usually done while the child is still a baby. Surgery is usually successful in correcting the problem, but it is important to note that it may not be perfect.
In some cases, plagiocephaly may not need any treatment at all. This is often the case for mild cases, where the head shape will improve on its own as the child grows. For more severe cases, treatment is often necessary to improve the child’s appearance and prevent any further problems.
4. How can you help prevent plagiocephaly?
One of the best ways to help prevent plagiocephaly is to encourage your baby to turn their head from side to side. You can do this by placing your baby on their tummy when they are awake and supervised. This will help to strengthen the muscles in their neck and will encourage them to turn their head from side to side. You can also try to give your baby plenty of “tummy time” when they are young. Try to place them on their tummy for a few minutes several times a day.
Another way to help prevent plagiocephaly is to massage your baby’s head and neck. This will help to loosen up the muscles and fascia in the head and neck. You can do this by gently rubbing your hands in a circular motion on your baby’s head and neck.
Finally, you can help prevent plagiocephaly by using a soft pillow or rolled-up blanket under your baby’s head when they sleep. This will help to keep their head in a more neutral position and will help to prevent flat spots from developing.
5. When should you seek medical help for plagiocephaly?
If your infant has plagiocephaly, it is important to seek medical help as soon as possible. Plagiocephaly can often be treated effectively if it is caught early. If left untreated, plagiocephaly can cause permanent deformities in the head and face.
There are several signs that indicate your child may have plagiocephaly. If your infant has flat spots on their head, particularly on the back or one side, this may be a sign of plagiocephaly. If your child’s head seems misshapen or asymmetrical, this is also a sign that they may have plagiocephaly.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to take your child to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to confirm whether or not your child has plagiocephaly and will discuss treatment options with you.
There are several treatment options available for plagiocephaly. One option is to use a cranial remolding orthosis, also known as a “baby helmet.” This is a special helmet that is fitted to your child’s head and helps to reshape the head over time. Another option is physical therapy, which can help to improve the range of motion in your child’s neck and help to prevent further flattening of the head.
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