Evidence of Flat Head Syndrome Statistics On the Rise

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 (positional plagiocephaly and torticollis).

Link to study:

http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/07/02/peds.2012-3438.abstract?sid=65067d31-99a7-4ca7-b0cc-ba90756f6cf9

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.

“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.  In 2012 she 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.

Some of Dr. Scott’s guidelines for repositioning strategies include:

Correct Positioning is imperative; we suggest you reposition your baby’s head every 2-3 hours during your waking hours. 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.

More than a million babies each year will be diagnosed with Flathead Syndrome in the USA alone.  This number has increased over 600% since 1992, and affects nearly 48% of all babies 0-6 months old.  This is largely a consequence of the combination of lifestyle changes in families and because babies now sleep on their backs.  If not corrected in early infancy, expensive and unpleasant treatment options can sometimes follow.

Recommended retail for Tortle is $19.99.  For more information visit www.tortle.com.

Watch the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA7MPnyXUcY&feature=share

Follow Tortle and Dr. Scott on Facebook at facebook.com/TortlebyDr.Jane;

on Twitter: TortlebyDrJane and on Pinterest: pinterest.com/tortlebydrjane

About Tortle

Founded by Pediatrician and Board Certified Neonatologist Dr. Jane Scott in 2012, Tortle Products, LLC is located in Denver, CO.  Tortle Products manufactures Tortle, an FDA-cleared patented Class 1 medical device, a stylish knit beanie that provides parents a cost effective and simple solution to prevent Flathead Syndrome, a condition that is prevelant in babies 0-6 months of age.  Tortle is available in three sizes and in a variety of colors and designs.  Recommended retail is $19.99.  For more information visit www.tortle.com.  Watch the videos:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wA7MPnyXUcY&feature=share

“How to” video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPfmHgbaU64

Follow Tortle and Dr. Scott on Facebook at facebook.com/TortlebyDr.Jane;

on Twitter: TortlebyDrJane and on Pinterest: pinterest.com/tortlebydrjane