Flat head, what did you do to resolve it?

Well, DD2 has got a minor issue with flat head. I was told by my gp that it is not something that I should be bothered with as it will regains its shape as she gets older since she will be sleeping less. However, DD2 does not like to be on the tummy... I let her sit up often and put her in a jumper... Aside from that, does anyone have any advice what to do to have her head regain its shape quicker?

Thanks in advance for all advices...

Where is it flat?

If on one side or the other, you can try to encourage her to sleep with her face on the other side sometimes. You might find that putting her down on the opposite end of the cot/bed means that she faces the other way (if she likes to look out at something in particular).

Her flat head is the back of her head...so not on the sides. I am having troubles to minimize her back sleeping, but she just hates to be on her belly. Any idea how long it actually takes before the head gets its "perfect" shape? thanks

My DD had this problem. We bought one of those special foam 'pillows' with a hole in the middle. I think it's called the Lovenest pillow - maybe try googling it. It really worked and DD now has a perfect shaped head. Good luck x

i was also going to suggest the 'love nest' pillow - looks a bit weird but has helped my DS too...
i took it to my nurse and she said it woudl be ok fro a SIDS perspective too... (i was worried abot that)
aside from that i was told to keep him off his back as much as poss when he is awake - so i dont use the pram basinette anymore (he didnt like it), i do lots of tumy time, he sits in bouncer/swing, carry him in sling... i was also told it will resolve and get better as he gets older and sits up more etc. it has improved a lot already...

See an osteo (or chiro). I've been taking DD since she was 8 weeks old, every few weeks, and it's done wonders! DD's head was pretty bad and one of her ears had actually been pushed forward, but after only 3 sessions, her head was fantastic. It's not perfectly symmetrical now, but what babies head is? It's pretty darn close, and I am so glad I got it seen to. My MCHN was a bit worried about it at DD's 8 week appt. At her 4 month appt she said DD's head was fantastic!

GL.

yeah i have also heard amazing things about osteo for it and i wanted to do this as it seems DS2 has a bit of a stiff neck... am on a waitlist (reminds me i need to cal and nag them!)

We went to an osteo when DD was about 8 weeks too and I found it to be a waste of money/time, did nothing for us (mind you, I have decided since going to the appointment that I personally don't believe in this type of 'treatment' - all they did was gently touch and hold her head in a few places, I had to stop myself from laughing). Others find them helpful though. We however, went to a peadiatric physio next which was much more practical and helpful as we were given specific directions such as how to implement side sleeping/playing, tolerating tummy time (instead of back) AND keep baby happy and stimulated while doing this. Took about 24 hours to see a slight change (I was suprised at how quick it was) and 2 months to see a noticable change. Now, at 12 months, it's hardly noticable by someone not looking for it, but I can still see where the flatness was. Physio also helped teach baby how to roll by showing me some better ways to pick-up, put down and carry baby (at 5 mths, rolled independently after 2 days of making these changes, was not rolling at all prior to this).

Hey Carmen, I have spoken about this issue before in other threads. DD1 was in a hip harness for 8 months, so she was on her back alot and suffered from a flat spot on the back of her head. We had to put her on her tummy with a rolled up towel under her chest...this also strengthened her neck muscles. We also sit her up with pillows around her, used a bean bag to sit her on while she was on the floor playing...obviously under strict supervision.... also with sleeping, we would still have her on her back but under the sheet we would put a rolled up blanket/towel to encourage her to turn to one side...then alternate it every few days.

It depends on how flat the head is to how long it takes to get back. DD1s was very flat and has rounded out but is not perfectly round...but because shes a girl and has long hair its not really noticable. It did take her a few months to notice the difference.

HTH...Melissa