Does/did DC have a flat head on one side?

I know flat head is pretty common. My DS has a flat head on his back right side. He is 8 weeks old and it began around 4 or 5 weeks. I think it is a vicious cycle because now that his head is flat on one side, he prefers to sleep on that side (I guess it is easier that balancing on the rounded side). I also think he might have a bit of torticollis. I have read alot about this and this is what we have tried:

-rotating which direction he is facing in the crib and on the changing table and in the tub (this doesn't matter--he'll look at the wall not out into the room or at me or DH)

-switching arms while feeding

-going in and turning head after he has fallen alseep (he turns it right back after 2 mins.)

-holding him over the shoulder instead of cradle

-LOTS of tummy time when awake (he really doesn't like this too much, but we do it anyway)

-lying him on his side with something propped behind him

-bought a Noggin Nest and have been using it when he is on changing table, in swing, bouncy chair, etc. I know it says not to use it while sleeping, but today he is down for his a.m. nap and I have him using it (I am keeping a close eye on him through the video!).

He sleeps so much at night (8 hours) and during the day (3 naps 1-3 hours each) so he is on his back alot.

What else have you tried???

We are going to doc tomorrow so I will speak with him about it. Should I ask about taking DS to a pediatric neurologist to see how severe it is? I am wondering if he will need to wear a helmet if all of the above doesn't help him? Maybe PT will help with strengthening his neck muscles?

Help! Thanks!

Re: Does/did DC have a flat head on one side?

It seems like you are doing everything right. My son has a flat spot on one side and the ped said to just give him as much tummy time as possible. Their heads grow so fast that it will eventually fix itself.

Re: Does/did DC have a flat head on one side?

Re: Does/did DC have a flat head on one side?

my baby has toticollis. there are specific stretches you do with the baby to help resolve it. that is the most important thing and the first step before PT. also, rotating the sleeping positions helps. i try to move her head so it faces different ways when i am changing her, playing on the gym mat, etc.

Re: Does/did DC have a flat head on one side?

Definitely talk with the doctor today and see what he says. Some doctors believe that torticollis will clear up on it own...others think that PT is necessary.

Right off the bat...one suggestion...ask your doctor about sleep positions. Our doctor had us sleep DS on his side against the crib rail with receiving blanket wedged on the free side. Rotating the postion seemed to help.

If you have any questions...please feel free to FM. We went through a lot with the torticollis and were so involved that the PT asked us for copies of the brochures we made for daycare to help with positioning.

If there is any information I can share I would be more than happy to.


BTW - DS has a perfect round head and no more torticollis so please know this will all be okay!

Re: Does/did DC have a flat head on one side?

DD had a flat spot on the right side of her head...it was never really bad, she just preferred to lay on that side of her head i guess...its pretty much gone now at 5 months (wasnt a very big flat spot)