Debunking flat head myths

Finding out your baby may have a flatter head shape can feel worrying, especially when there’s lots of conflicting information online. To mark World Plagiocephaly Awareness Day, we’re clearing up nine common myths and sharing what can help

Myth One: “It’s the parents’ fault”

It can feel really upsetting when you notice a change in your baby’s head shape, and it’s common to blame yourself. But in most cases, flat head syndrome happens for reasons outside a parent’s control, and it is not anyone’s fault.

Many factors can cause flat spots to develop; most of the time they are completely unavoidable. They can be caused naturally, either during pregnancy due to a baby’s position in the womb or because the baby has problems with its neck and shoulder muscles from torticollis, or ‘wry-neck’, causing their head to naturally revert to one position – placing more pressure on one side of the head.

Most often, babies are born with a normal head shape which gradually flattens as a result of the position they spend most of their time in. Head shape can also be altered by external forces like spending prolonged periods in car seats, buggies or hard mattresses.

It has been well documented that the ‘Back to Sleep’ campaign to prevent cot death has caused an increase in flat head syndrome cases. When a baby is young their skull is malleable, so constantly sleeping on their backs – the supine position – can increase their risk of flat head syndrome.

As a parent you should never blame yourself – UK government guidance strongly recommends that infants sleep on their backs to decrease the risk of cot death.

Myth Two: “Helmet treatment is painful for the baby”

Naturally, parents often worry that the helmets used to treat flat head syndrome would be painful for their child. This is however not the case  the inside of the LOCband helmets are made of a soft foam layer and apply very gentle pressure on the most prominent areas of the head, whilst providing ample space for the flat, dented areas to grow naturally into position.

Helmet therapy is non-invasive, and most babies adapt quickly. The helmet is custom made for your baby and reviewed regularly, with adjustments as needed as they grow, so it stays comfortable and continues to support progress.

Read about Baby Amrit’s story and his first plagiocephaly appointment

Myth Three: “Cranial remoulding helmets cause sores”

Some parents worry that a helmet will cause rubbing or sore areas. We minimise this risk by checking the fit regularly and making small adjustments when needed, especially as your baby grows and head shape changes.

Cranial remoulding helmets are regulated as medical devices by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). This means they must meet relevant safety requirements.

Myth Four: “It’s only a cosmetic issue”

It’s true that flat head syndrome is regarded as a cosmetic issue by the NHS. By definition, this means that your baby is not usually at risk, and there is no fundamental disease present. However, that fails to take into account the impact cosmetic issues can have on a person’s self-esteem and social development. Treatment is generally most effective while your baby’s skull is still growing quickly, which is why early support matters. When the skull hardens, the opportunity can be missed to do anything about it, particularly if the deformity becomes more pronounced in later life. It’s possible that they may feel picked on by their peers for the abnormal shape of their head, making them feel less confident.

Practically, it may be difficult to wear glasses or protective helmets for sport or work. An adult who experienced severe plagiocephaly as a child may be less inclined to have short hairstyles and feel self-conscious about their appearance.

Myth Five: “In time, the issue will correct itself”

If you suspect that your child’s head is abnormally shaped and you visit a doctor, they will advise you to try repositioning techniques and that it will correct itself naturally.

Whilst this has proved successful for very mild cases of flat head syndrome, many babies find it difficult to comply with repositioning and for very mild flattening, repositioning and tummy time can be enough. For moderate to severe cases, or where progress is limited, families may choose to explore helmet therapy as a next step. Previous studies have proven that deformational asymmetries will not correct on their own without the intervention of some kind.

If a cranial remoulding helmet is a way to go, the sooner the better; the younger a baby is, the more malleable its head will be, and as they grow older, their skulls harden and become less responsive to helmet treatment.

The ideal age for LOCband treatment is between four and seven months – however, it is still applicable to babies of up to 18 months, when the soft spots on the head are no longer malleable.

Myth Six: “Flat head syndrome is a rare condition”

Many parents often worry that they are alone in this situation, however, the reality is that flat head syndrome is much more common than you think – and many families will be going through exactly the same thing.

Flat head syndrome is more common than many people realise, and many families go through the same worry. If you are concerned, speaking to your GP or health visitor early can be helpful, as support options can be time-sensitive while your baby is growing.

Myth Seven: “Helmet therapy will make the deformity worse – or it will return to normal after therapy”

There is absolutely no risk of this – empirical research has been carried out and shows that helmet therapy poses no risk to development. The only scenario in which helmet therapy would be inadequate, if they are young enough, is if the helmet is not worn for the designated 22-23 hours a day as a result of poor parental compliance.

Many parents also worry that the condition will return to normal after their child stops wearing the helmet. Neither is this a reason for worry – once the skull reaches maturity and the fontanelles are fused, the skull cannot change shape without surgical intervention.

Myth Eight: “The NHS offers cranial helmet therapy”

As the NHS often considers flat head syndrome a cosmetic issue, helmet therapy is not routinely funded in many areas. Availability can vary by region, so your GP or health visitor can advise on what support is available locally. In the rest of the UK, to get treatment, parents have to look to private specialists who can carry out the treatment. There are many charities that offer funding support for parents to pay for treatment, such as Tree of Hope and Headstart4Babies.

Myth Nine: “Helmet therapy isn’t effective”

Perhaps the greatest myth of all. Research has shown that helmet therapy can be effective, particularly for moderate to severe cases and when started at the right time. Results vary depending on factors such as your baby’s age, head shape, and wear time.

At LOC, every baby that has completed the LOCband treatment has achieved measurable improvements to their head shape. We have successfully treated thousands of babies with positional plagiocephaly over the last decade.

If your baby’s head shape is worrying you, you can upload photos using our free flat head photo assessment form, and one of our orthotists will respond within 24 hours with guidance on next steps. If helmet therapy may be appropriate, we can book a free consultation to talk you through bracing with the LOCband Lite.