Addressing your baby's flat head

Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle and non-invasive manual therapy that can be effective in addressing flat head in babies. Osteopaths specialising in cranial osteopathy use light touch and precise movements to identify and alleviate disturbances along the sutures of the skull. By restoring balance and alignment to the baby’s skull, cranial osteopathy aims to promote the natural correction of the flat head.

During cranial osteopathy sessions, the osteopath carefully assesses the baby’s head shape, palpates for any areas of tension or imbalance, and applies gentle pressure to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This therapy helps release restrictions and promotes optimal mobility of the skull bones, allowing for the gradual reshaping of the baby’s head.

Paediatric physiotherapy offers various treatment methods that can effectively address plagiocephaly. A paediatric physiotherapist specialises in assessing and treating musculoskeletal conditions in infants and children. Here are some techniques commonly used in paediatric physiotherapy for flat head:

• Exercises and Stretches: The physiotherapist may recommend specific exercises and stretches to improve the strength and flexibility of the baby’s neck muscles. This helps promote balanced muscle development, encourages proper head movement, and reduces the likelihood of head-turning preference.
  
  
• Repositioning Techniques: Repositioning techniques aim to encourage a baby’s head-turning to the non-preferred side. The physiotherapist may suggest different strategies to facilitate head rotation, such as using toys or interesting objects to attract the baby’s attention to one side, or adjusting the baby’s sleeping position to promote head movement in the opposite direction.
  
  
• Tummy Time Recommendations: The physiotherapist will provide guidance on appropriate tummy time activities. Tummy time is crucial for babies as it helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and upper body muscles. By spending supervised time on their tummy, babies can relieve pressure on the back of their heads and promote healthy head shape development.