
Next, we’ll look at the symmetry of your baby’s face. Because cranial helmet therapy is effective for just a short window of time, and severe cases of plagiocephaly are more complex to correct, it’s crucial for babies with advanced forms of the condition to begin treatment as early as possible. While plagiocephaly is a highly treatable condition, research has shown that the best results are achieved when treatment starts early. What you see here is especially important to note. How do your fingers line up? A more noticeable misalignment indicates a more severe condition. While holding your baby in your own lap this time, gently place an index finger at each of his or her ears. Head is longest in length from front to backīy looking at the alignment of your baby’s ears from above, you can determine the severity of the condition.Head is shortest in length from front to back.One side of the head appears more curved than the other.One ear is closer to the shoulder than the other.Look for flattened or sloping areas of the head and check to see if one ear is closer to the shoulder than the other.Īgain, some examples are provided for reference below.

Normally, the back of the head is curved and both sides of the head match. Next, with your baby still seated on someone else’s lap or looking into a mirror, look at the shape of your baby’s head from both sides. Back of head is flat rather than curved.Head is flat on either the back right or left side.Keep in mind, you may not see these shapes exactly-variations ranging from mild to moderate to severe and even combinations of these shapes can occur. In flat head syndrome, the head may appear flat on one side, wide towards the back, or long and narrow.īelow, we’ve provided examples of three abnormal head shapes you may see. From this vantage point, what is the general shape of your baby’s head? Normally, the head is roughly 1/3 longer than it is wide. To get started, have someone hold your baby on their lap while you stand over, looking down at the top of your baby’s head. You’ll leave with an understanding of your baby’s diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and a detailed report to discuss with your pediatrician.
Baby misshapen head free#
We invite you to talk with one of our knowledgeable clinicians directly by scheduling a free evaluation, available at any of our local clinics. Please keep in mind, this assessment is not meant to replace an evaluation by a medical professional.

You can walk you through evaluating the shape of your baby’s head from five different viewpoints, helping you to better understand your child’s condition and choose the treatment that’s right for her or him. An abnormal head shape undoubtedly raises many questions, the first of which is common, “am I really seeing what I think I’m seeing?”.Ī plagiocephaly diagnosis looks very different from baby to baby, no two cases are alike. You may have noticed at bath time while passing a mirror, or perhaps someone commented on the shape of your baby’s head. Checking Your Baby for Signs of Plagiocephaly
