Concerned about your baby's flat head or uneven head shape?
Bloom Kids Orthotic Care provides specialized infant head shape assessments and cranial remolding therapy for families in Burlington and surrounding communities.
If you've noticed a flat spot, unevenness at the back or side of your baby's head, or a preference for turning their head to one side, an early assessment can help you understand what's happening and what options may be appropriate for your baby.
Does Your Baby Have a Flat or Uneven Head Shape?
Many parents first notice a change in their baby's head shape around three or four months of age.
A baby's skull is naturally soft and continues to grow rapidly during the first year of life. Pressure on one area of the head can contribute to positional head-shape changes, including plagiocephaly and brachycephaly.
You may notice:
- A flat area on one side of your baby's head
- Unevenness when looking at your baby's head from above
- One ear appearing farther forward than the other
- A wider or shorter appearance to the back of the head
- Your baby consistently preferring to look in one direction
- Difficulty turning the head equally to both sides
What Is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly refers to an asymmetrical head shape in which flattening is more prominent on one side of the back of the head. It is commonly associated with positional factors during infancy, although each baby's circumstances are different.
An assessment can help determine the nature and severity of your baby's head-shape asymmetry and whether additional treatment or monitoring may be appropriate.
What Is Brachycephaly?
Brachycephaly refers to a head shape that is relatively wider and shorter, with flattening across the back of the head.
Plagiocephaly and brachycephaly can occur together, and the appropriate approach depends on your baby's individual presentation.
Experienced Pediatric Care
Becki Westover, C.O. (c), MSc., our Certified Orthotist, brings extensive clinical expertise from Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre in Hamilton. It was there that she completed her residency and developed specialized experience in treating infants with plagiocephaly. She went on to complete her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Science at McMaster University.
Ten years ago, Becki also led the Ron Joyce clinical team in creating their first helmet using 3D scanning technology—helping introduce this innovative approach to infant orthotic care at the centre.
Does My Baby need a helmet?
Not every baby with a flat spot needs a helmet - in fact most don't.
At Bloom Kids, we believe parents should understand their baby's head shape and all reasonable treatment options before making a decision about cranial remolding therapy.
Depending on your baby's age, head shape, severity and clinical history, recommendations may include:
- Repositioning education
- Tummy-time and positioning strategies
- Referral to another healthcare professional when appropriate
- Monitoring head-shape development
- Cranial remolding therapy
Our goal is not simply to prescribe a helmet. Our goal is to help you understand what is happening and determine what approach is appropriate for you and your baby including a no-helmet-when-appropriate option.
Bloom's Expert Care
Becki Westover MSc., C.O. (c) is a Canadian Board Certified Orthotist with 20 years of clinical experience. Her pediatric experience includes practice at Ron Joyce Children's Health Centre in Hamilton, Sunnybrook Hospital and Erin Oak Kids.
When Should my Baby Be Assessed?
Usually at 4 - 5 months of age. If you're concerned about your baby's head shape, you don't need to wait until you're certain that something is wrong. Early assessment can give parents time to understand their options and make informed decisions. Consider arranging an assessment if:
- Your baby's head is becoming noticeably flat or asymmetrical
- You have tried repositioning and are not seeing improvement
- Your baby consistently prefers looking in one direction
- Your baby's head shape appears to be getting flatter
- Your healthcare provider has recommended an assessment
What Happens at a Bloom Kids Head Shape Assessment?
We listen
We'll discuss what you've noticed, your baby's history and any concerns you have.
We assess your baby's head shape
Your baby's head shape and overall presentation are evaluated using evidence based objective and subjective assessment tools so that we can understand the pattern and severity of any asymmetry.
We explain what we're seeing
We'll explain the findings in language that makes sense and answer your questions.
We discuss your options
Depending on the assessment, this may include repositioning, monitoring, referral to another healthcare professional or cranial remolding therapy.
You leave with clarity and a plan
Our goal is for you to understand what comes next and why.