Flat Head Syndrome: Tortle Review

Sammy had a mild case of flat head syndrome.  As a first time mom, I didn't know about prevention techniques for keeping his head rounded.  Because he liked to keep his head turned to the right, he ended up with a bulge on the right side of his head and a flat spot.  Luckily we caught it before his soft spots (fontanels) hardened and were able to correct it with positioning.

See the lopsided forehead?  Didn't seem to phase him

So what is "flat head syndrome"?

Also known as positional plagiocephaly, flat head syndrome is an uneven head shape that results in a baby's tendency to rest their head in the same position. A new study from Calgary-Alberta-based Mount Royal University quoted in Pediatrics found that of 440 healthy infants sampled, 47 percent of babies ages 7 to 12 weeks had some form of Flathead Syndrome.

Awareness of positional plagiocephaly has increased since 1992, the year when parents were first encouraged to have healthy babies sleep on their back to help combat Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).  While infant death from SIDS has decreased by 50 percent, there has been an increase in Flathead syndrome, a condition where an infant’s head becomes flattened or misshapen from too much time on their backs in the first months of life.  

Can Flat Head Syndrome be prevented?

Dr. Jane Scott

“This most recent study further validates the increasing incidence rate of Flathead Syndrome and the need for greater parent education about prevention,” said Dr. Jane Scott, Pediatrician, Board Certified Neonatologist.  “By incorporating some simple repositioning strategies parents can help prevent development of Plagiocephaly.”  Dr. Scott whose specialty is pediatrics and neonatology is recognized as an expert in the areas of Plagiocephaly and Torticollis.  In her nearly 30 years as a practicing physician Dr. Scott has counseled and educated parents to help prevent as well as treat the many problems associated with Flathead Syndrome.  

What can be done to prevent flat head syndrome?

Dr. Jane says that correct positioning is imperative.  It is suggested that you re-position your baby’s head every 2-3 hours while awake. Encourage the infant to turn their head in the opposite direction from the preferred side.

In addition, try the following:

Feeding – alternate the arm in which the infant is held for both the bottle and breast feeding.

Diaper Changes – stand on the opposite side of the changing table each time to encourage baby to turn their head to a different side in order to see you.

Sleeping – Place baby’s head at opposite ends of the crib on alternate nights. Baby can wear their Tortle for optimal alignment during any supervised sleep time throughout the day.

Tummy Time – The more time baby can spend playing with supervision on their tummy, the better. Get down on the floor at baby’s eye level, and play stimulating games during tummy time. While most babies are resistant to tummy time at first, it should become more enjoyable as they become more familiar with the position. Starting tummy time when your infant is very young will help with this.

Travel  - Make sure baby is wearing their Tortle while riding in car seats, strollers, etc., and switch the side of the support roll from time to time.

In 2012 Dr. Jane Scott introduced Tortle, an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device which provides parents a cost effective and simple solution to prevent the Syndrome in babies 0-6 months of age. The Tortle, a lightweight knit beanie, promotes proper head and neck movement, which is essential for appropriate development.

Tortle is made from 95% cotton, 5% spandex. The support roll is made from a non-toxic foam. Tortle can be machine washed and tumbled dry.

The Tortle can be purchased online at their website for $19.99 and comes in three prints: Classic White, Sweet Pink Flowers, and Whimsical Blue Elephants.  

You can connect with Tortle and Dr. Jane on facebook and twitter.

Disclaimer:  I did not receive any free product or monetary compensation for hosting this giveaway.  All information can be found on their website, as well as resources to other studies backing up this information.  This post is in no way meant to diagnose, or treat any medical conditions and is purely informational.