Pediatrician Explains: Plagiocephaly (Flattening of Head) and Helmeting (Baby Helmets)

In this highly requested topic I go over plagiocephaly (or asymmetrical flattening of baby's head). I also discuss helmet therapy and when (if) it's indicated.
Here is what you will learn in this video:
0:55: What is plagiocephaly?
1:12: What is craniosynostosis?
2:36: Why are we seeing more flattening?
4:43: What is torticollis and why does it matter?
6:05: Some basics tips to reduce the risk of flat spots on baby’s head
10:45: Visual examples of flat spots
12:33: How we examine head shape
16:58: Is plagiocephaly just cosmetic? Do we need to intervene?
19:17: Helmet therapy Pros and Cons
Has you baby had plagiocephaly or needed a helmet?
Check out all the PedsDocTalk Courses for more guidance, tips, and support during your parenting journey. Visit pedsdoctalk.co.... The New Mom's Survival Guide will help you navigate your first year of parenthood. Visit pedsdoctalk.co...

[@tiliciasmith]

I’m pretty confident my son needs a helmet. I’m actually taking him to an appointment in a couple hours. I’m already dreading his grandparents comments and judgement. The stigma is so strong and annoying. He’s my 3rd baby and never used a swing or anything like my other kids and they were perfectly fine. I truly think he has a softer skull and prefers sleeping on his right side always. I’ve been rotating laying him down since day one. It just happens sometimes 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@mariamahmed8946]

Same with my baby he always sleep on his right since birth I have tried everything to fix it nothing lol when I’d try to turn his head to the other side he would fight back by holding his head to the right refusing to even turn his eyes to the left while trying 😂 4 months of this so I made an appointment and we will see how it goes

[@sandman3073]

@@mariamahmed8946 Hi, Can you please provide update. Did your son get an helmet how was the treatment. Did he make improvement. Thank you My baby is 4 months and we had appointment with cranial technologies. They say my son have severe Plagiocephaly and gonna need helmet.

[@sandman3073]

Hi, Can you please provide update. Did your son get an helmet how was the treatment. Did he make improvement. Thank you My baby is 4 months and we had appointment with cranial technologies. They say my son have severe Plagiocephaly and gonna need helmet.

[@ladyjane9980]

Im a grandparent. You just tell the grandparents that you are getting fitted for your helmet so you can look as cool as your baby. Your baby is your joy. Don't let them steal your joy. ❤

[@marinakhter1169]

How can I get this helmet in Bangladesh? Will it work in 17 month baby's? My babies had become flat at right side of her head. It is so noticeable..😓😢 I felt very guilty for this. Please help me to correct my babies head shap

[@tstahler5420]

My grandson is on his second helmet and his head looks about perfect. I'll be glad when it's just a memory. Fortunately he doesn't mind it.

[@lynneawilson7382]

Thank you for the reassurance that it is not necessarily the parents fault!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Yes I think it's so important parents hear that!! It's nothing they did wrong! Let that guilt go 👏

[@nickcrill7718]

Hello my sons head is flat on 1 side. He got stuck in the birth canal for almost two hours and had a super coned head to one side and then got torticollis we tried physical therapy and all the prevention tips but still… we got a helmet at 1 year because of insurance then we use it the best we can but he screams in it non stop because he doesn’t like it. It fits correctly. Now he’s almost 20 months and not much change still 11 mm difference which seems small but I can see it. Makes me feel like a terrible parent. We have no help from family so it’s only me and his mom. It’s hard…

[@bingram2011]

Same thing... our daughter got stuck for 2 hour 15 minutes... I just made an appointment. We were told they have to be at least 5 weeks old.

[@nickcrill7718]

@@bingram2011 my helmet doctor said that they can do it up to 28 months old but it’s best to do it before 8 months because the growing of the head slows down.

[@bingram2011]

@@nickcrill7718 hopefully it works out for him. If it is corrected - your son will thank you when he is older.

[@marinakhter1169]

How can I get this helmet in Bangladesh? Will it work in 17 month baby's? My babies had become flat at right the side of her head. It is so noticeable..😓😢 I felt very guilty for this. Please help me to correct my babies head shap.

[@bassmarime4751]

سلام عندي بنيتة عندها 6 سنوات وعندها جبين كبير قليلا هل هذه اخوذة تفيد في حالتها

[@aaronclemons2304]

I brought up my baby's flat head and possible torticollis at 1 month. I was told it was fine and she'd grow out of it. I switched doctors and the new doctor instantly flagged her head and toritcollis. She was placed in physical therapy and her head shape was in the severe category. I'm very frustrated that the first pediatrician blew me off. We could have taken care of this early on!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

I'm so sorry your concerns were brushed off. But I'm glad you advocated for your daughter and found a pediatrician who listens to your concerns and helped you get the care your child needs ❤

[@tasneembashir2733]

I brought it up at few days old since we were in the hospital but 😅wasn’t taken seriously. Even now some family are saying not to get a helmet

[@Everydayvlogswithus]

Thanks for your helpful information👏❤️

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

So glad you found it helpful!

[@mrs.sharmavlogs3211]

Please tell how can purchase this helmet

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Your pediatrician can refer you to a specialist in your area who can fit your child for one!

[@luciajuarez7387]

Thank you, I keep telling my son doctor about his head thank God I took him to the er doctor they said about his head he was worried I know I wasn’t going crazy … the er doctor had to write a note for his pediatric 😒 to take my son head serious

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

glad you advocated for your child!!

[@karilynnwilson8670]

you are amazing!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Thank you for watching!

[@hemanthgamingff2897]

Is this available in India?

[@manikandanshanmugam3323]

Have you bought it

[@saff6155]

Is it effective for 1 and half year baby?

[@hirasaleem8898]

Same I also want to ask it for my 1 and half year baby😊

[@renukatarke4230]

Please i purchase helmet , what price indian rupees

[@vasundharareddy1100]

Hi did u purchase helmet

[@vasundharareddy1100]

Pls reply me renu