Plagiocephaly?

Where my nephew goes to speech therapy at there's a paper saying they're collecting used helmets that children no longer used, well I read the paper, but it made me think to myself, what is it?

I have no idea what plagiocephaly is, but I'm very interested to learn what it is, because when me&my sister take my nephew to speech therapy, there's a baby girl (about 4 months old) wearing a helmet.

Is there anyone that can explain to me what plagiocephaly is?


TIA  

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What is Plagiocephaly?


Plagiocephaly, also sometimes referred to a “flat head syndrome”, occurs when a portion of an infant’s skull becomes flattened due to pressure from outside forces. There are different forms of plagio, including bracycehphaly (where the skull is flattened uniformly across the back, resulting in a shorter, wider head, and scaphocehpaly (where the skull is flattened on the sides, causing a longer, narrower head).
What Causes Plagiocephaly?


Plagiocephaly is caused by extended periods of pressure against one side or portion of the skull. This can happen in the womb, or because the muscles in one side of the neck are tighter than the other (a condition called torticollis that may require physical therapy to correct), or simply due to an infant’s having a preference for turning his head to one side.
Twins are at higher risk for plagio than singletons due to crowded womb conditions. Preemies may also be at higher risk because their underdeveloped skulls are so soft. They also trade time floating in amniotic fluid for long periods of time lying in incubators, increasing their risk.

Read more at Suite101: Plagiocephaly in Infants: Causes and Treatments for Flat-Head Syndrome http://infant-toddler-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/plagiocephaly_in_infants#ixzz0mtjShvUy

It where the baby's head is misshapen. The helmet helps to shape back to normal.

Quoting Julia&Owen♥{22week:“ It where the baby's head is misshapen. The helmet helps to shape back to normal.”

Ohhh.
I thought it had something to do with head shape.

Now I understand  
Thanks.

Quoting Julia&Owen♥{22week:“ It where the baby's head is misshapen. The helmet helps to shape back to normal.”

Ohhh.
I thought it had something to do with head shape.

Now I understand  
Thanks.

It’s great to hear that you are interested in learning more about plagiocephaly, or “flat head syndrome!” The position of an infant’s head needs to be changed throughout the day so that they do not begin to favor a certain area of the head, which can ultimately lead to the development of a flat spot on the head and elongated neck muscles on one side. The helmets you saw are used to for cranial remolding in severe cases.

Fortunately, plagiocephaly can be prevented and even corrected in the early stages! There are many techniques to practice daily with baby. For example, when approaching and feeding baby, parents can alternate the direction from which they come, encouraging baby to turn their head in a different direction each time. Another technique is to place interesting and stimulating toys in new locations around baby’s room so they will have to turn their head different directions, depending on where the toys are. Make sure to implement lots of supervised tummy time during the day, and finally, massaging baby’s neck muscles when they are relaxed can help them stretch both sides of the neck. Education and awareness are key to ending plagiocephaly! Visit https://www.facebook.com/DrJaneScott for more information and to join the mission to end plagiocephaly!