Treatment Guidelines for Positional Plagiocephaly What is Positional Plagiocephaly? One out of every 300 babies born result in a baby plagiocephaly-torticollis deformation. Sounds scary, right?! It isn’t. Positional Plagiocephaly is the flattening of one side of the head with forward progression of the ear on the same side. Does your baby like to turn their head to the same side while sleeping or resting? They may be at risk for Positional Plagiocephaly. Back sleeping and preferred positioning for extended periods of time, creates pressure on one area of the head. This prevents it from growing at the same rate as the rest of the head. This may create an asymmetrical head. Since the “Back to Sleep Campaign,” the percentage of infants with this condition is much higher. Good news is- This is easily treated!! Do all Cranial Deformities look the same? Plagiocephaly Brachycephaly Brachycephaly with Asymmetry Scaphocephaly What is the “Back to Sleep Campaign?” 1n 1992, the American Academy of Pediatrics began to encourage parents to place sleeping infants on their backs to prevent the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.) This became known as the “Back to Sleep Campaign.” This program led to a reported 70% reduction in the case of SIDS; however, has also resulted in an increase in the number of infants with cranial asymmetries. Is my child at risk for Positional Cranial Deformity? Multiple Births Breech Births Long Labors Time in the NICU First Born Child Male Sex Neck Muscle Tightness Low Muscle Tone Positioning Spine Abnormalities What can I do to help prevent Positional Cranial Deformities in my child? What is Repositioning? An infant’s skull is flexible and is at risk for flattening when against any surface for extended periods of time. Doctors recommend alternating positions which will allow for growth to be evenly distributed. Using toys and other colorful or musical items will encourage a child to look in the opposite direction, allowing the pressure to redistribute. If you notice a flattening on your little one’s head, try to create distractions, and reposition his or her head in the opposite direction, This will prevent any contact on flattened areas which will allow those spots to grow and catch up to the rest of their head. Repositioning is the conservative treatment of treating cranial asymmetries in infant under the age of 6 months. Tips for Repositioning: Change the location of your child’s mobile in their crib Alternate the arm used while cradling your baby when breast feeding or bottle feeding While diapering or changing their clothes, alternate sides in which you stand. If your child prefers a certain side, stand on the opposite side. While travelling by vehicle, change the car seat location so your child can look out both windows. When in a stroller, be sure to monitor the direction in which your baby is looking. Use attachment toys on the opposite side to encourage them to look the other way. Encourage Tummy Time What is Tummy Time? It is recommended that infants should spend as much time on their tummies as possible while awake. Tummy time counts as any time your baby’s chin is facing the ground. Tummy time is imperative for the development of your child, and also helps to prevent against positional cranial asymmetries. There are several instances of tummy time: Baby lays on a blanket with toys and stimulus Caretaker or parent lays with child laying on their chest Mommy, Daddy, or caretaker cradles child face down Baby laying face down on a parents lap What are the options in treating a child with a Positional Cranial Deformity? The Plagio Cradle ™was developed by Gary Rogers,MD and James Miller, CPO at the Children’s Hospital of Boston. This product is for preventing or treating early signs of plagiocephaly, not brachycephaly or scaphocephaly. The Plagio Cradle is typically recommended for children who are 0-3 months of age and must be discontinued immediately when the child exhibits signs of being able to roll over. The Boston Band The Plagio Cradle™ The Boston Band is typically recommended for children who are 3-18 months in age and have any kind of cranial asymmetry that has failed to improve with conservative measures (such as repositioning techniques and/or the Plagio Cradle). How long your child may need to wear the Boston Band depends on degree.