Probably not. While helmets for misshapen heads were commonly used in the past, new research suggests they are often not necessary. Taking in all the evidence, most doctors recommend conservative treatment (repositioning and physical therapy) for mild to moderate asymmetry and helmet therapy for more severe asymmetry. Can I do anything to help it now?
- First, rest assured that most of the time babies heads will round out by 1 year of age as they start to sit up and become more mobile.
- You can let your baby spend plenty of time playing on his tummy each day.
- Most of the time, baby’s heads are flat on one side because that is how they are laid down in the crib. Encourage baby to look the opposite direction by laying them differently in the crib. For example, if you usually lay baby down with his head to your right, lay him so his head is on your left for a few weeks.
- You can also place their toys on different sides during play time to encourage him to look in other directions.
- Physical therapy may be helpful. Ask your provider if a referral for physical therapy is recommended.
For more information, please visit https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/12256/New-guidelines-review-evidence-on-PT-helmets-for?searchresult=1
and https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/23133/Deformational-plagiocephaly-Sorting-out-the?searchresult=1.
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