Calls for more research into flat head syndrome in babies and helmet therapy
Parents are calling for more research into flat head syndrome and whether helmet therapy is effective in treating the condition.
Flat head syndrome, a condition that affects more than 1 in 100 babies, has left many parents seeking answers about treatment options and the effectiveness of helmet therapy.
Despite its prevalence, guidance on managing moderate to severe cases remains limited, and parents like Becky Darby are calling for more research and support.
What is flat head syndrome?
Flat head syndrome, medically known as plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, often develops when babies spend extended periods lying on their backs, as advised to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
While lying on their backs has significantly reduced SIDS cases by 90% since the 1980s, it can sometimes lead to flattening on one side of a baby’s head.
In most cases, the condition is mild and resolves naturally as babies grow, sit up, and become more active. However, for babies with more severe cases, helmet therapy is sometimes considered to help correct head shape.
The role of helmet therapy
Southmead Hospital in Bristol is the only NHS clinic in the UK offering helmet therapy for infants with moderate to severe flat head syndrome. The process involves custom-made helmets, created using 3D printing technology, that gently relieve pressure on the flat side of the baby’s head.
Babies usually wear the helmets for 23 hours a day from around six months of age, with regular monitoring to assess progress. Becky Darby, whose son Leo has been receiving helmet therapy at Southmead, says the decision was life-changing.
“One side of his head was flat and the rest was perfectly round, but where he was constantly lying on it, it was getting flatter,” Becky told Sky News. Despite her initial frustration over the lack of guidance, she feels the helmet has made a difference: “Getting the helmet treatment was the best decision I’ve made.”
The call for more research
Currently, the NHS does not recommend helmet therapy as standard treatment, citing insufficient evidence about its effectiveness. Additionally, helmets can cause issues such as skin irritation and rashes. “These helmets and headbands generally are not recommended,” states NHS guidance, as reported by Sky News.
Senior reconstructive scientist Amy Davey, part of the team at Southmead, agrees that more research is crucial. She is working to develop a tool that assesses babies for flat head syndrome and identifies the best treatment pathways.
“There certainly needs to be more research into providing understanding behind when and where we can go and help with helmet therapy, and where there are alternatives,” she told Sky News.
Dr Joanna Garstang, a community paediatrician and adviser for the cot death charity The Lullaby Trust, reassures parents that in most cases, flat head syndrome resolves on its own.
“As the baby grows and begins to sit up and crawl, the condition usually improves naturally,” Dr Garstang told Sky News. She stressed the importance of continuing to place babies on their backs to sleep, calling it one of the most successful public health interventions.
“For parents worried about flat head syndrome, putting the baby on the back to sleep is by far the safest way. If they’re concerned, they should talk to their GP or health visitor,” she advised.
A costly option for many
Outside of the Southmead clinic, parents often face significant financial barriers if they wish to pursue helmet therapy. Private clinics charge upwards of £2,500 for the treatment, making it inaccessible to many families.
For parents like Becky, the benefits outweigh the challenges. She hopes that increased research and awareness will give other families more clarity when navigating flat head syndrome and potential treatments.
As for baby Leo, his helmet has helped correct the shape of his head, and it will soon no longer be needed.
What can I do to prevent flat head syndrome?
- Limiting your baby’s time on their back when they are awake
- Lay your baby down in a different way, especially if they seem to prefer to hold their head on one side
- Change the way your baby lies in their cot each week, this encourages your baby to look around, rather then keep their head in a single position
- When you’re out and about, alternate between the pram and carrier to change your baby’s position
- Give your baby plenty of tummy time
- Babies like to look around them, so it’s a good idea to change things round in the room or place lights so they’re tempted to look in different directions
- Make sure if you’re breastfeeding to swap sides regularly so your baby gets used to using different muscles.
- Don’t be tempted to let your baby stay too long in her bouncer or car seat
If you’re worried about your baby’s head shape or would like advice, speak to your GP or health visitor. For more information on safe sleeping guidelines, visit The Lullaby Trust website.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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