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 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.
FAQs
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This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
This is a frequently asked question?
It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.