Head Flat spots

[KrystalS]

DS has a flat spot on the back of his head. It's toward the top, not on the back where his head lays flat. He sleeps on his stomach anyway so he doesn't spend much time on his back. Should I be concerned about this? He has a 6 month well baby on Apr 13th so I was planning to just wait and ask the dr about it then. DH is more concerned and thinks I should make an appt sooner.

[kristac]

If you are going to get a corrective helmet- sooner is better. DS was nearly 11 months old when he got his starband and will likely wear it until 18 months since his growth has slowed so much. Most babies only wear the bands 3-4 months if they start earlier. Most clinics do a free consult- you don't even need a referal. They can tell you if it is likely to correct itself or if you should get a band.

[dcmom2b3]

My DD was flatter on one side of her head because of tortacollis. I didn't even consider helmets or bands because I couldn't afford them, I just repositioned her sleeping postures and did stretching exercises for her neck and upper body. It worked well.

I don't know whether a back of the head flat spot would have the same origins or treatment; but IME a band wasn't necessary for our situation. Early action was key, though. If your DC does end up needing referral to specialists, better to know that and have it in the works sooner rather than later. Is there any downside to having a consultation prior to your April well-baby?

[newg]

I had DD2 checked out because of a flat spot on one side of her head. She was 4 months when they first looked at her and said she didn't need one and gave us a list of things to work on at home......they rechecked her at 6 months and it had improved, so they said she didn't need a helmet at all. She did have some torticollis issues, so we did have to work on those.........which I may not have known about if we hadn't gotten her head check.

So maybe have it looked at.......better safe, than sorry!