Preventing infant head flattening and asymmetry
Flat or misshapen skulls are more than a cosmetic issue in infants. They can cause developmental challenges and affect the well-being of a child.
Prevention is always the best option and here are some ways you can prevent skull deformities before they become a more serious issue that requires a ROKband.
Prevention Tips
(0 - 4 months)
Limit use to 15-20 min at a time when possible. Infants who sit in a car seat for long periods increase their chances of flattened heads. These skull deformities are further worsened if they spend lots of time turning to face one direction more than the other (such as sleeping facing the same way).
LIMIT USE OF STROLLERS, CAR SEATS & SWINGS
Most infants will have an easier time correcting their positioning in the first few months with positioning techniques provided by a pediatric physiotherapist. Practicing any of the positioning preventative measures from this list during their first 4 months can have a large impact in preventing head asymmetry later in infancy.
EARLY
DETECTION
ENCOURAGE FACING
ON BOTH SIDES
Help your baby spend time on both sides of their head. You can use toys and mirrors to encourage where they are looking. Also, try feeding them from both sides equally and moving any sound machines regularly to encourage self-correction.
TREAT TORTICOLLIS EARLY
Connect with a pediatric therapist (physiotherapist, osteopath, or chiropractor) to diagnose and treat Torticollis (twisted neck muscles) in the first weeks or months. Infants with Torticollis tend to sleep and spend more time on one side of their head, causing head shape asymmetry . Infants in the ROKband program have seen greater success if their Torticollis has already been treated. Early intervention is key.
Infants will often sleep facing towards their parent, sound machines, or mirrors. Alternate the placement of these objects, encouraging them to self-correct their sleeping position and avoid spending too much time on the same side of their head.
MONITOR SLEEPING POSITIONS
Practice tummy time throughout the day. Physiotherapists recommend 10 minutes of tummy time daily, per month of life (so 2 month-olds have tummy time for 20 minutes). This helps them build the muscles they need to support their neck and self-correct sleeping in the same position.
START TUMMY
TIME EARLY
TRY WEARABLE
BABY CARRIERS
Wear your baby using a wrap or approved harnessed baby carrier. This allows you to be mobile, and the baby’s head isn’t flat against a surface, which can help prevent head shape asymmetry.
Head Shape Assessments
(4 - 6 months)
We usually suggest parents come in for a consultation when their baby is 4 months old if the flattening of the skull is still concerning. ROKband offers a free 30-minute consultation and assessment.
What to know about your ROKband assessment
01
Start early:
Treatments are best started between 4 and 6 months of age
02
Later treatment options:
Beyond 6 months head shape may be treatable, but outcomes may be reduced depending on an infant's skull development at the start of treatment.
03
Same-day results:
We provide same-day results and recommendations (you'll get them at each appointment).
04
