Support for Infant Head Flattening
Did you know that a helmet isn’t your only option to improve your baby’s head shape?! Early intervention with a skilled physical therapist can improve head shape while also addressing the root cause of the flattening. Scroll to learn more about how you can gain peace of mind about your baby’s head shape.
the PTP approach to head flattening:
We believe in a proactive and holistic approach to infant head flattening that not only gives parents actionable ways to work on improving their child’s head shape at home, but also addresses the root cause of the flattening.
contributing factors to head flattening:
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Tightness/tension in the body can impact the way a baby prefers to position their head. Any signs of a head turning preference should be investigated with a thorough PT evaluation to prevent further flattening from occurring.
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Babies with significant GI discomfort from reflux, gassiness or constipation can often put themselves in certain postures to relieve that discomfort. Those postures may put them at higher risk for prolonged pressure on certain areas of the head and lead to flattening
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Some infant head flattening begins in the womb! Larger babies, multiples or just infants who were in a constricted position may show signs of flattening at birth which can continue to worsen without any intervention
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Tightness in the mouth or difficulty using their tongue properly for optimal feeding can also impact head turning preferences and can lead to some of the digestive concerns mentioned above.
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Babies who tend to spend more time in swaddles/snoo, swings, bouncers, car seats and other “container devices” are at higher risk for prolonged pressure on their heads which can lead to flattening.
How can I figure out if my baby’s head is flat?
Skully Care
Progress Through Play has partnered with Skully Care to make understanding infant head shape and navigating treatment options even easier! You can now access the same technology that we use in the clinic, on your own phone and gain clarity about treatment options without ever leaving home!
How does it work?
measure
Download the Skully Care app and take a guided photo of your baby’s head. The app securely uploads your image for analysis.
pay
Make a one-time payment on the website ($14.50 per scan). Skully Care calculates symmetry, shape index, and growth pattern.
expert advice
Receive your result in minutes. See clear visuals showing how even your baby’s head shape is and what small steps can help. You can also share the scan directly with your therapist for expert guidance.
Skully Care for Parents
You see your baby every day. Tiny changes are easy to miss.
Every baby has favorite positions to lie, feed, and sleep. When that position doesn’t change much, one side of the head can slowly flatten.
Sometimes it’s visible. Sometimes it’s not. And that’s when parents start wondering “is this normal? Will it even out? Should we see someone?”
Why early checks matter
In the first months, your baby’s head grows quickly and stays soft. It’s the best time for small adjustments that guide natural, healthy growth.
A quick check early on means you’ll know what’s happening and can act if needed. If everything looks fine, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve checked at the right time.
See what’s really happening, right at home
With Skully Care, you can check your baby’s head shape using just your phone.
Take one guided photo and, in minutes, see:
1. How even the head shape is
2. Objective numbers that track progress over time
3. Simple visuals you can share with your healthcare professional
