As a parent, one of your first concerns upon noticing a flat spot on your baby’s head might be: Do we need a helmet? The good news is that, in many cases, you can prevent the need for helmet therapy by taking early action to address your baby’s head shape. Here’s our advice on how to get started.

The best time to start 

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The best time to begin preventing flat head syndrome is right from the start. Ideally, do this as soon as you see your baby has a favorite head position. Babies often develop a preference for looking to one side. This can cause a flat spot to form on the side of their skull that they prefer. 

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The first steps towards preventing baby helmet for flat head 

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Proactive steps can help avoid the need for more intensive treatments later on. You can prevent flat spots from forming by encouraging your baby to discover both sides. Let’s explore these 3 practical steps in those early days to set your baby on the right path. 

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1. Change Your Baby’s Sleeping Position: 
   As soon as you spot a preference for turning their head to one side, start gently encouraging your baby to turn their head the other way during sleep. Even in the first few days after birth, this should not cause any issues. It might take a bit of time for your newborn to adjust, but this early intervention can help prevent a flat spot from developing. 
    

2. Mark the ‘Preferred Side’:
   You can use a safe, visible marker (like a soft toy or a small object) placed on the side where your baby tends to look. Then, adjust their sleeping position so that they look to the opposite side. This will encourage them to turn their heads and that they look to the opposite side. By doing this, you encourage them to turn their head and avoid constant pressure on one part of the skull. 
    

3. Hold Your Baby in the Center:
   When holding your baby during the day, make sure their head is either centered or turned toward the non-preferred side. Even a few minutes in this position can make a difference.

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What else can you do, if it’s not working?

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If you have already tried the three steps and the preference or flatness persists by the time your baby reaches 6 weeks, it may be time to seek professional help. Consult a pediatric physiotherapist specializing in infant care, who can assess your baby’s head shape and provide targeted exercises or tips to help correct it.

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Sometimes, a baby’s head preference may not be noticeable right away. If you notice a flat spot forming or a significant tilt in your baby’s head, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention is key to achieving the best outcome. It needs to grow to improve the shape of your baby’s head, and the most significant growth occurs during the first year.

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Extra tips: 

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• Tummy Time:
  Make sure you are giving your baby enough tummy time while they are awake. This helps strengthen the neck muscles and prevents them from lying on their back too often, which can cause flattening. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the time as your baby gets stronger. 

• Lie on the Side (When Awake):
  When your baby is awake and supervised, you can also encourage side lying on the non-preferred side. This helps relieve pressure from the flattened area and allows for more balanced head development. It is not a problem if your baby lies on this one side even from nap to nap. On the contrary, this helps the head to grow more symmetrically and ovally. 

Monitor progress with our Skully Care App 

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You don’t have to do this alone! Our Skully Care app is a fantastic tool to help you monitor your baby’s head shape and track your progress. Here’s how it works: 

1. Take a photo:
   If you notice a flat spot or asymmetry in your baby’s head, take a photo using the Skully Care app. This will give you an initial measurement of the degree of flattening. 

2. Take action:
   Start with the repositioning techniques and other tips you've read here. Give it a few weeks—around 2-4 weeks—and then take another photo to see if your efforts are making a difference. 

3. Evaluate the results:
   The app will show you if there has been improvement, and if not, you can adjust your efforts accordingly. This feedback helps you stay on track and take the right steps at the right time. 

4. Therapist support:
   If you need additional guidance, our team of Skully Care therapists are there to help you. They can call you and provide tailormade advice based on the most recent research. They are experts in the latest methods and can give you the support you need to ensure that you’re doing the best for your baby.

Conclusion

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With early and consistent attention, many babies can avoid needing helmet therapy altogether. By adjusting their sleeping and resting positions, offering tummy time, and monitoring progress with tools like the Skully Care app, you can help your baby’s head shape improve naturally. And if you need extra support, the therapists are there to help guide you through the process. By taking action early, you’re giving your baby the best chance for a balanced, healthy head shape—and potentially preventing the need for a helmet later on. 

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